Do Not Dilute OBC Quota, Bhujbal Warns Mahayuti Govt Of Street Agitation

Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has expressed strong objections to the Mahayuti government's approach regarding the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation. He has warned the government against compromising on OBC rights and indicated that he would resort to street agitation if necessary. Bhujbal's warnings came as Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil continued his hunger strike and the government attempted to address Maratha demands, including assurances about Kunbi-Maratha certificates.

Bhujbal criticized certain ministers and legislators from the Mahayuti for their stance on caste validity certificates. He emphasized that Kunbis and Marathas are distinct communities, with Kunbis falling under the OBC category legally. Bhujbal argued that caste scrutiny committees should not be subjected to political pressure and questioned whether certificates rejected by these committees would now be altered under political influence.

He also raised concerns about budgetary imbalances, noting that Rs 750 crore had been allocated to the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation for the Maratha community, while a mere Rs 5 crore was set aside for OBC welfare. Bhujbal opposed the idea of creating a separate ministry for the Maratha-Kunbi community, arguing that it would lead to demands for separate ministries for all communities.

He clarified that he supports issuing certificates based on valid, official documents but opposes reducing or eliminating the OBC quota. He sought clarity on whether candidates could claim benefits under OBC, SEBC, and EWS reservation categories simultaneously and questioned the authority of the Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation.

Maratha reservation activist Jarange Patil responded to Bhujbal's warning, accusing him of opposing Maratha interests and questioning the government's efforts to address the issue.