‘Marathas Being Included In OBC Through Backdoor Entry’, Bhujbal Says. Fadnavis To Allay Concerns

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is very clear that the government would protect the OBC quota. No injustice will be done to OBCs till the BJP is in power, said Deputy CM of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis.

New Delhi: The political landscape in Maharashtra is currently abuzz with controversy and tension as the state government faces backlash over a draft notification related to the Maratha quota. Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has come out in opposition to the proposal for giving OBC status to the Maratha community raising concerns that other communities will seek to be included in the category. "Supreme Court said that Marathas are not backward, but they are being included in OBC through the backdoor entry," he remarked.

As per news agency ANI, on the Maratha reservation, Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said, "I have been working for the OBCs for the last 35 years... Today Marathas are included in OBC, tomorrow Patels, Jaats and Gurjars will also be included. Strong communities will enter the OBC category this way... We will fight in every manner which can be expected in a democracy... Supreme Court said that Marathas are not backward, but they are being included in OBC through the backdoor entry, this is affecting the OBC reservation".

Bhujbal, who belongs to the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, on Sunday, announced the staging of protests on February 1 outside the residences of MLAs, MPs, and tehsildars against the state government's decision regarding the Maratha quota, reported PTI.

The comments came against the backdrop of the draft notification issued by the government accepting the demands of Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange regarding the issuance of Kunbi caste (OBC) certificates to the sage soyre (blood relatives) of Marathas.

Devendra Fadnavis Assures 'Won't Allow Any Injustice To Happen To OBCs'

In a notable move, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis on Monday expressed his intention to meet with Chhagan Bhujbal over the OBC quota issue.

As per PTI, without specifically mentioning the notification, Fadnavis acknowledged the concerns raised by OBC leaders and emphasised the government's willingness to make amendments if deemed necessary. He also stressed that the government's decision regarding Kunbi certificates is not a blanket one.

While talking to reporters at Nagpur airport, Fadnavis reiterated that the existing OBC quota would not be diluted under any circumstances.  "The government's stand on the Maratha reservation is a very balanced one. In any situation, we won't allow any injustice to happen to OBCs", PTI quoted Fadnavis as saying.

"Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is very clear that the government would protect the OBC quota. No injustice will be done to OBCs till the BJP is in power. If a situation arises wherein OBCs feel their interests are not protected, I will speak to my higher-ups", he further added.