Will Chhagan Bhujbal Legally and Publicly Defend OBC Quotas?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal vows to legally and publicly defend OBC rights against a controversial government resolution allowing Kunbi certificates for the Maratha community. His commitment reflects a larger struggle for justice and equality within the reservation system in India.
Key Takeaways
- Chhagan Bhujbal is committed to fighting for OBC rights through legal and public avenues.
- The recent government resolution poses a threat to the existing OBC reservation system.
- Public demonstrations and legal petitions are being planned to challenge the government's decision.
- Tragic incidents highlight the emotional toll this issue has on the OBC community.
- The debate over reservation policies continues to evoke strong reactions across communities.
Nashik/Latur, Sep 12 (NationPress) Maharashtra minister and founder of Samata Parishad, Chhagan Bhujbal, has intensified his resistance against the government resolution (GR) released on September 2, concerning the issuance of Kunbi certificates to members of the Maratha community with valid documentation.
He announced his commitment to safeguard the rights of OBCs through legal action and public demonstrations.
“Our nation operates under a democratic framework, and we trust the judiciary implicitly. Thus, we are prepared to engage in both legal and public confrontations to uphold OBC reservation. A petition challenging the government's stance on Maratha reservation will be filed in the Supreme Court shortly. No government can arbitrarily include or exclude individuals from reservation categories. However, the recent GR attempts to do just that. It states that individuals with Kunbi records can submit an affidavit for their kin and relatives to obtain a caste certificate,” he stated.
On the same day, Minister Bhujbal visited the family of the late Bharat Mahadev Karad, a young man from Wangdari in Latur district, who tragically ended his life due to distress over the cessation of OBC reservations.
He urged members of the OBC community to refrain from such drastic measures, affirming, “As long as I am here, I will ensure that there are no setbacks to OBC reservations.” He reiterated his intention to pursue both legal and public battles to defend the OBC quota and their rights.
“Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar emphasized in the Constitution the necessity for reservation for the OBC community. Subsequently, the Mandal Commission recommended a 27 percent reservation. Numerous commissions have concluded that the Maratha community is not eligible for OBC reservation. The central government has allocated a 10 percent EWS reservation for the Maratha community, while the state government has provided a 10 percent separate SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Class) reservation,” Minister Bhujbal commented.
He further remarked that the government has launched more initiatives for the Maratha community in education and employment than for OBCs. Nonetheless, some continue to insist on being categorized as OBC, leading to the issuance of the GR on September 2 under duress.
“This GR is detrimental to OBCs, as many community members perceive it as the end of their reservation, prompting some to take their own lives. We will confront this challenge with courage, patience, and unity, just like our ancestors, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We will steadfastly support the OBC community,” Minister Bhujbal emphasized.
He stated that OBC children in the state aspire for education and employment, highlighting the gross injustice faced by OBCs in terms of grants and program implementations.
He criticized the ongoing pressure in Maharashtra to grant Kunbi status to the Marathas, labeling it unconstitutional and contrary to various court directives. He stressed that no community should be classified as socially backward due to political pressure, hence there should be no attempt to categorize the Maratha community among the backward classes.
Point of View
We stand firmly with the OBC community in their quest for justice. The ongoing struggle for equitable representation within the reservation system is a vital issue that warrants attention and action. It is essential to uphold the principles of democracy and fairness, ensuring that all communities receive the support they need.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the government resolution issued on September 2?
The resolution allows the Maratha community to obtain Kunbi certificates, which has raised concerns regarding the impact on OBC reservations.
What actions is Chhagan Bhujbal planning to take?
Chhagan Bhujbal intends to challenge the resolution in court and mobilize public support to protect OBC rights.
Why is the OBC community concerned about the GR?
Many OBC members believe that the GR undermines their existing reservations, leading to fears of losing their rights.
What has been the response from the OBC community?
The community has expressed outrage and concern, with some individuals tragically taking drastic actions due to despair over the situation.
How does this issue relate to the broader reservation system in India?
This issue highlights the ongoing debate about the allocation of reservations and the recognition of different communities within the existing framework.
