Is there a risk of OBC reservation being taken away?

Mumbai, Sep 4 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted on Thursday that under the MahaYuti government, there will be no discrimination against OBCs, emphasizing that the government harbors no plans to transfer the reservation from one community to another.

“Marathas will receive their rightful entitlements, and OBCs will retain theirs. We will not allow any friction between the two communities,” he stated, following the boycott of a state cabinet meeting by NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who expressed his concerns regarding the government notification on the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette for issuing Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community. This occurred after protests led by pro-Maratha quota advocate Manoj Jarange-Patil in Mumbai.

The CM’s comments come in response to protests from various OBC leaders and organizations, who fear that the government's actions might diminish their benefits under the OBC quota due to the Marathas acquiring Kunbi status.

However, CM Fadnavis reassured the public that the administration is committed to resolving all uncertainties. “Numerous OBC organizations have expressed their support for the government resolution, and many leaders have conveyed that they harbor no doubts. I believe we can also address any concerns that Chhagan Bhujbal might have. If others have questions, we are ready to clarify them as well,” he stated.

He further explained: “There was no British rule in Marathwada; it was under the Nizam. Thus, records concerning castes in Marathwada are unique and only available through the Nizam in the Hyderabad Gazette. We have accepted this documentation. Only those who genuinely qualify as Kunbis will receive this certificate. Hence, the resolution ensures that no one is misrepresenting their eligibility.”

CM Fadnavis clarified that Minister Bhujbal did not exit the cabinet meeting.

“We held a discussion. I assured him that the government resolution would not affect the OBC community. This is not a general policy but is based on evidence concerning Kunbis,” he noted.

Previously, on September 2, following the conclusion of Jarange-Patil’s hunger strike, CM Fadnavis stated that the state’s decision was beneficial for both Marathas and OBCs.

He remarked that the Hyderabad Gazette would serve as valid proof: if an ancestor's name is listed in it for the Kunbi caste, that individual would qualify for benefits and subsequently receive a certificate as per the regulations. He emphasized that the government will prevent any discord between the Maratha and OBC communities.

In the meantime, Chhagan Bhujbal posted on X, stating: “There is confusion regarding the Government Resolution issued by the Maharashtra Government concerning Maratha reservation. Various OBC and backward class organizations and leaders are presenting their concerns at local offices and organizing protests across the state, expressing their dissatisfaction with the Government Resolution. Many OBC activists have initiated hunger strikes as part of this movement.”

He added: “In relation to this Government Resolution, I have engaged with other OBC leaders. We have provided all necessary documents to legal professionals and are seeking their assessments. We are prepared to escalate this matter to the High Court or Supreme Court if required. A thorough examination of the changes made will be essential, necessitating detailed discussions and documentation.”