Maratha Quota Row: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday gave an assurance to OBCs that they need not have any apprehension about the state government's notification in connection with activist Manoj Jarange's Maratha quota stir, as reported by news agency PTI. The former Maharashtra CM also schooled his cabinet colleague Chhagan Bhujbal on issuance of Kunbi certificates.
Earlier in the day, Manoj Jarange ended his fast after the state government said it had accepted all his demands. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that till Marathas get reservation, the community will be given benefits enjoyed by Other Backward Classes.
According to PTI, Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government also issued a notification to recognise as Kunbis all blood relatives of the Maratha community whose Kunbi caste records have been found. Kunbis, an agrarian community, are part of the OBC segment in the state.
State minister and a member of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP Bhujbal had called the move a "backdoor entry" for Marathas into the OBC segment and had dubbed the notification as superficial and an eyewash, as reported by PTI.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said, "OBCs need not be afraid (of the notification). No injustice will be done to them," as quoted by PTI.
"I want to tell Bhujbal that Kunbi certificates will not be given to those who cannot show proof of Kunbi records. The decision (of the state government) will benefit those who have records but have not been able to obtain caste certificates," the BJP leader said.
The Deputy Maharashtra CM also clarified that FIRs will not be withdrawn against those who had indulged in arson and had damaged public property during the course of the quota stir, PTI reported. He further stated that no such demand had been made either.
According to state government notification, Kunbi caste certificates will be issued upon submission of an affidavit by the applicant establishing relations with his blood relatives - uncle, nephew and other members of his family as well as "patriarchal" relatives - who have found Kunbi records being the applicants' "sage soyare" (blood relatives).
Earlier on Friday, Jarange made it clear that he will remain committed to his agitation until the community secures reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. This came after a meeting with a government delegation, during which he addressed protestors at Shivaji Chowk in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, as reported by news agency PTI.
Jarange said that the delegation handed him certain documents, which he intends to discuss with his supporters before announcing the next steps in their protest. Emphasising the unwavering nature of their stand, he said, "There is no going back on the agitation till we get reservation," as quoted by PTI.