Is There Really No Injustice to OBCs? Maharashtra Minister Bawankule Addresses Concerns

Mumbai, Sep 4 (NationPress) Maharashtra Revenue Minister and head of the cabinet subcommittee on OBC quota, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, assured on Thursday that the government's resolution regarding the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette will not result in any injustice to the OBC community.

He informed reporters that the state government is committed to ensuring prosperity for both the OBC and Maratha communities.

“The government resolution on the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette speaks for itself. Those whose Kunbi records were previously overlooked will receive a certificate after following the proper procedures. There should be no confusion among any community regarding this resolution.

“We will not take from one community's share to benefit another. The Maratha community will receive the justice they deserve, but we will ensure that the OBC community is not wronged. To this end, the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Maratha Reservation and the Sub-Committee for the OBC community will operate simultaneously. Our government is dedicated to the prosperity of both communities,” stated Minister Bawankule.

His remarks came as numerous OBC leaders, including NCP Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and various organizations, contended that the government's actions could negatively affect OBCs, as Marathas, upon receiving Kunbi status, would access benefits from the OBC quota, thereby diminishing their share.

Nevertheless, Minister Bawankule, a former president of the state BJP, asserted that both the Maratha and OBC communities will receive justice.

“The government will ensure that these two communities do not come into conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred constitutional status to the OBC Commission at the national level. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis established the OBC ministry for the first time during his initial term. The cabinet subcommittee, which I chair, will also safeguard the interests of the OBC community,” he remarked.

Earlier, Minister Bhujbal, who boycotted a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday in protest over the government resolution, expressed that there is significant confusion surrounding the recently issued Government Resolution regarding Maratha reservation. Various OBC and backward class organizations are submitting representations at local government offices, organizing marches, and expressing their discontent through various means, resulting in an ongoing movement. In numerous areas, OBC activists and leaders have also commenced fasts.

He further stated, “In relation to this Government Resolution, I have conferred with other OBC leaders. We have submitted all pertinent documents to legal experts and are seeking their counsel. After discussions, we are prepared to escalate the matter to the High Court or the Supreme Court if necessary. It is vital to review any changes that have been made, which will require detailed discussions and documentation.”

Meanwhile, Bawankule criticized the Congress for bringing up the vote-rigging allegations from the Kamti constituency, where he was elected in the last state assembly elections.

“In my first election, I won by a margin of 56,000 votes, then 95,000 votes, followed by 136,000 votes, and finally with a margin of 175,000 votes. The Congress state president, Harshwardhan Sapkal, is making accusations to prevent his party members from joining the grand alliance. Otherwise, it makes no sense,” he stated.

Commenting on Sanjay Raut's allegation that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde facilitated logistics for the Maratha agitation led by Manoj Jarange-Patil, Minister Bawankule responded, “Eknath Shinde is a capable leader. He has previously served as Chief Minister. He stands firmly behind Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Therefore, those who threatened us in 2019 should refrain from such actions, and Raut should not attempt to infiltrate the Mahayuti.”