Will Mumbai be Blocked by OBCs if Their Demands Are Ignored?
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Synopsis
In a powerful statement from Nagpur, OBC leaders threaten to block major cities if the government doesn't heed their demands. Their call for action revolves around the controversial September 2 resolution affecting Kunbi certificates and a push for enhanced reservations. Will the government respond to avert a crisis?
Key Takeaways
- OBC groups are mobilizing for their demands.
- Threats of major city blockades highlight tensions.
- Reservation policies are under scrutiny.
- Community unity is critical in advocacy.
- Political leaders are taking sides in this ongoing conflict.
Nagpur, Oct 10 (NationPress) Various OBC fronts have issued a warning that they will block Mumbai, Thane, and Pune if the state government fails to address their demands, which include the revocation of a government resolution from September 2 that grants Kunbi certificates to members of the Maratha community.
They challenged the BJP-led MahaYuti government to implement a 42 percent reservation for OBCs in Maharashtra, similar to the policy in Telangana.
“The decision made by the MahaYuti government on September 2 has deeply unsettled the OBC community in the state. The government must annul it immediately. The Mahamorcha in Nagpur marks just the beginning; if the government disregards the OBCs, we will blockade not only Mumbai but also Pune and Thane,” stated Congress Legislature Party leader and a principal organizer of Friday’s morcha, Vijay Wadettiwar, during his address.
Wadettiwar asserted that following the release of the government resolution from September 2, thousands of Kunbi certificates are being distributed daily to Marathas in Marathwada.
“This situation has led to young OBC individuals resorting to suicide. Has the MahaYuti government gained power solely through the backing of Manoj Jarange (a pro-Maratha reservation activist)?” he questioned.
He emphasized that the government has overlooked the fact that 374 castes among OBCs supported this government.
“OBCs are facing injustice. They are the primary victims, and the government should retract its decision to genuinely safeguard OBC reservation and the community's interests,” he remarked.
“If the government’s essence aligns with that of OBCs, it must revoke the decision made on September 2 and demonstrate its commitment. The Maratha community is encroaching on the OBC community quota. While Maratha members are well-off, members of the OBC community continue to suffer. How can OBCs thrive amidst this disparity? Hence, this is a struggle for the survival of OBCs,” stated Wadettiwar.
Wadettiwar affirmed that despite the government’s claims that OBC reservation remains intact, there is an ongoing encroachment into the OBC quota.
“If the government possesses the resolve, it should allocate a 42 percent reservation to OBCs as provided by the Telangana government,” he reiterated.
Wadettiwar also clarified that OBCs are not against the Maratha community, asserting that they should receive their own separate quota.
He mentioned that they oppose granting reservations to Marathas at the expense of the OBC quota.
Among those who participated in the morcha were Lok Sabha members from Vidarbha, Prashant Padole, Pratibha Dhanorkar, and Shyamkumar Barve, along with former ministers Anil Deshmukh (NCP SP), Sunil Kedar, Manikrao Thackeray (Congress), Mahadev Jankar (Rashtriya Samaj Paksh), and OBC leaders Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare.
Point of View
I believe in upholding the concerns of the OBC community while recognizing the complexities involved in the ongoing reservation debate. It is vital for the government to engage with all stakeholders to find a balanced resolution that respects everyone's rights and aspirations.
NationPress
10/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What demands are the OBC fronts making?
The OBC fronts are demanding the cancellation of a government resolution from September 2 that provides Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community.
What action have the OBC groups threatened?
They have threatened to block Mumbai, Thane, and Pune if their demands are not met.
What is the OBCs' stance on Maratha reservations?
OBC leaders are not against the Maratha community but oppose granting reservations to Marathas from the OBC quota.
What percentage of reservation are OBCs demanding?
They are demanding a 42 percent reservation for OBCs in Maharashtra, similar to that in Telangana.
Who participated in the morcha?
The morcha saw participation from various political leaders, including Lok Sabha members and former ministers.
