In a recent development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s agreement to the demands of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has stirred controversy within the state government. The ally in the Maharashtra government, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal, has criticized the move, terming it a mere “eyewash.”
Jarange Patil, who had been leading a protest for Maratha quota demands, called off his indefinite hunger strike after the Maharashtra government responded with a draft ordinance regarding reservation in education and jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category. However, Bhujbal, the minister for food and civil supplies, questioned the legitimacy of Marathas entering the OBC community through what he termed as a “backdoor entry.”
Bhujbal expressed his concerns about the draft notification issued by the state government, providing Kunbi certificates to all Marathas, a sub-caste falling under the OBC category. He emphasized that caste is determined by birth and not by affidavits, raising questions about the fairness of the government’s approach.
The NCP leader also criticized the demand for free education and reserved job vacancies exclusively for Marathas, suggesting that such benefits should be extended to all castes, including Brahmins. Bhujbal invited OBC leaders for talks to discuss the issue, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive dialogue.
The draft notification, which proposes giving Kunbi certificates to all blood relatives of Maratha community members with Kunbi antecedents, has been met with mixed reactions. While Jarange Patil hailed it as a “victory,” Bhujbal labeled it as an inadequate measure and urged intellectuals from the Maratha community to reconsider the implications.
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over caste-based reservations and the complexities surrounding the inclusion of Marathas within the OBC category. Bhujbal insisted that caste certificates based on affidavits would not stand legal scrutiny and warned of potential legal challenges if the government proceeded with the final notification.
As the situation unfolds, OBC outfits have called a meeting to decide their next course of action. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, supporting the government’s decision, reassured OBCs that the notification would not lead to any injustice. However, the rift within the government and the criticism from prominent leaders like Bhujbal underscore the challenges in achieving consensus on this contentious issue. The coming days may witness further discussions and legal scrutiny, shaping the fate of Maratha quota demands in Maharashtra.