Should OBC Leaders Stop Protests Over Maratha Kunbi Status?

Mumbai, Sep 4 (NationPress) Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has urged OBC leaders and organizations to suspend all forms of protests, including fasts and marches, following the state government's decision to grant Kunbi status to Marathas under the Hyderabad Gazetteer. He emphasized the necessity for tranquility during the ongoing Ganeshotsav festival.

Bhujbal, who did not attend the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday in protest of the government's decision, mentioned that he has been engaging in discussions with OBC leaders and legal professionals regarding the implications of the notification. He is contemplating legal action, possibly moving to the High Court or Supreme Court, to protect OBC interests.

In a post shared on X, the seasoned NCP leader stated, “There is confusion surrounding the government resolution (GR) recently issued regarding Maratha reservation. Various backward-class organizations and leaders are making representations at tehsil offices, district collectorates, and other locations statewide, organizing marches and expressing their discontent with the resolution. Numerous OBC activists and leaders have initiated fasts as well.”

Founder of Samata Parishad, Bhujbal noted, “In relation to this Government Resolution, I have conferred with other OBC leaders. We have provided pertinent documents to legal experts and are seeking their insights. After this consultation, we are ready to approach the High Court or Supreme Court if warranted. It’s crucial to investigate the changes made, which will necessitate thorough discussions and the organization of various documents.”

With the Ganeshotsav celebration in full swing, Bhujbal remarked, “Many households are hosting Ganpati idols, and numerous activists and citizens are engaged in diverse activities during this festival. Additionally, public holidays are observed on Saturday and Sunday. Taking all these factors into consideration, we aim to approach the court by next Monday or Tuesday.”

In this context, he has also communicated with OBC leaders, many of whom have already submitted representations to district collectors and tehsil offices to ensure that OBC rights are not infringed and to voice their concerns to the government.

He urged those yet to act to continue submitting representations.

“Present your case firmly to the government authorities in a calm manner. However, I request that all other forms of protest, such as fasts, marches, and document destruction, be halted temporarily. Ongoing fasts should also be discontinued,” the minister appealed to OBC activists and leaders across the state.

He assured that a well-informed decision would be made after a comprehensive examination of the GR. Bhujbal mentioned that should legal experts determine that the GR threatens the OBC community, they are prepared to pursue legal avenues.

“After discussions with all OBC leaders, I will soon disclose our next steps. Until then, I urge everyone to maintain peace,” Bhujbal concluded.

This appeal from the Minister holds significance as various OBC leaders and organizations have claimed that the government, allegedly under pressure from pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, issued the GR to provide Kunbi certificates to Marathas, potentially undermining the reservation benefits currently afforded to OBC groups.

However, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, chairman of the cabinet sub-committee on the Maratha quota, reassured that OBCs need not be concerned, asserting that the government resolution does not endanger their reservations.