Mumbai, Oct 20 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing protests concerning Maratha and OBC reservations in Maharashtra, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated on Monday that the OBC quota will remain intact, emphasizing that the government's position is clear: no individual's share will be redistributed to others.

He further explained that the Maratha Kunbi community from Western Maharashtra will not gain advantages from the government's resolution issued on September 2, which pertains to the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette for granting Kunbi certificates to Marathas.

Minister Bawankule, who leads the cabinet subcommittee focusing on OBC reservations and related matters, remarked, "The government resolution dated September 2 is definitive, and hence, further commentary is unnecessary. However, it’s important to note that the Hyderabad Gazette applies solely to the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, and will not assist the Maratha Kunbi community from Western Maharashtra. OBC leaders should avoid any misconceptions regarding this matter."

Bawankule's remarks follow a statement made just three days prior by veteran OBC leader and NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal at a rally in Beed on October 17, where he affirmed that the struggle to protect the quota for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) would persist both legally and in public demonstrations.

He clarified that OBCs do not oppose reservations for Marathas; however, the existing reservation framework should remain untouched.

Additionally, OBC activist Ganesh Hake criticized the government's resolution, alleging it undermines the rights of OBCs. He believes the resolution diminishes OBC interests. In contrast, pro-Maratha reservation advocate Manoj Jarange-Patil claimed that Bhujbal and his associates are leveraging the OBC issue for their political benefit.

Jarange-Patil stated, "Even if the OBC community faces challenges, it does not concern them. They merely exploit the OBC community for their own political ambitions, continuously advocating for OBC support while neglecting genuine welfare and progress for the OBC community."

Meanwhile, Minister Bawankule noted that he met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss Nagpur's development.

"A significant meeting was convened today under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's leadership, focusing on the development of Nagpur Rural, the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority, and Nagpur city. Critical and impactful decisions were made during this meeting," he stated.

"In-depth discussions were held on ensuring that various government schemes effectively reach ordinary citizens. The decisions made by the Chief Minister will significantly enhance development initiatives in the Nagpur area," Minister Bawankule concluded.