A controversy has erupted in Maharashtra concerning the Maratha reservation, with potential conflict brewing between the Maratha and OBC communities. The recent decision to grant reservation to Maratha individuals in the Marathwada and Western Maharashtra regions is at the heart of the matter. Many OBC leaders have expressed their displeasure with the government’s actions, with some issuing threats of significant protests. The absence of Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, a key figure within the OBC community, from the cabinet meeting has raised concerns about internal disagreements.
Minister Bhujbal is reportedly unhappy with the government’s decision. OBC activist Laxman Hake stated that the government lacks the right to grant Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, and the OBC community will take to the streets to protest the decision. BJP MLC Parinay Phuke countered, stating that the government’s action was taken after consultation with all cabinet members. OBC leader Prakash Shendge said that a meeting was held under the leadership of Chhagan Bhujbal where they decided to oppose the decision across Maharashtra, as it goes against the interests of the OBC community. They demand that the government provide reservations to the Maratha community without affecting the existing 50% reservation for OBCs and warned of a severe protest if reservations are granted based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer.
He further stated that the government should not give in to Manoj Jarange’s demands, highlighting the fact that the Maratha community already benefits from various forms of reservation, including SBC and general quotas, as well as EWS. Therefore, the new demands are illegal and unconstitutional, which was also highlighted by the Supreme Court.
Shendge emphasized that, during Eknath Shinde’s tenure as Chief Minister, reservations were granted to the Maratha community without affecting the OBC quota. He also noted that Devendra Fadnavis has promised not to harm the OBC community’s existing reservations, calling on the government to withdraw the decision and provide the Maratha community with reservations outside the 50% quota. Shendge praised Chhagan Bhujbal, and said that he has always raised his voice for the OBC community. He said that Bhujbal’s absence from the cabinet meeting against the Maratha reservation reflects the OBC community’s concerns and ensures that their voices are heard.
Manoj Jarange, a 43-year-old activist, returned from Mumbai after ending his hunger strike and is under medical supervision in a private hospital. He credited the Maratha community for the victory, stating that Maratha people of Marathwada and Western Maharashtra will now get OBC reservation. Jarange urged his supporters to maintain peace. When asked about Chhagan Bhujbal’s absence, Jarange described him as a shrewd leader, implying the Maratha community had achieved its goals.
Previously, Manoj Jarange led a Maratha reservation agitation at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. His indefinite hunger strike, which began on August 29, was called off on Tuesday after the government accepted most of his demands. CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the government had found a solution in the interest of the Maratha community.
The government agreed to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas, fulfilling most of their demands, which led to Jarange ending his protest. This will make them eligible for the benefits of OBC reservation.