Beed, Oct 2 (NationPress) Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde emphasized on Thursday that the current reservation advantages for socially disadvantaged OBC communities must remain intact while benefits are extended to the Maratha community.

"The groups identified and granted reservation advantages due to social backwardness continue to be marginalized today. Their quota must not be compromised while similar advantages are given to the Maratha community," the BJP leader remarked during her speech at the Dussehra rally in Bhagwan Bhakti Gad.

Reaffirming the Mahayuti government's dedication to OBC rights, she highlighted that Maharashtra's 350+ OBC castes should not be overlooked in the Maratha quota discussion.

"The Chief Minister has consistently defended OBC rights; we will not allow any reduction of the 27 percent quota," she stated, noting the establishment of a state committee last month to issue Kunbi certificates exclusively to Marathas with verified OBC ancestry.

Munde, who also oversees the state's Animal Husbandry Department, mentioned: "Even without a position, I will not forsake my supporters - five lives were lost to suicides before I became MLC."

She further expressed, "As I uphold the legacy of Gopinath Munde, I will advocate for every caste and community. Just yesterday, members of the Dhangar community protested for reservation; I joined them. Gopinath Munde supported Maratha reservation, and we too have backed it. Gopinath Munde Saheb did not oppose Maratha reservation. My sole plea is to not diminish OBC quota benefits."

Munde's remarks were a direct appeal to OBC voters, highlighting the need for protection against "conspiracies" that threaten their 27 percent quota.

Her statements come amid continuing protests regarding Maratha and OBC quotas, especially after the government issued a resolution on September 2 to provide Kunbi certificates to members of the Maratha community, following a protest led by pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil in Mumbai.

Munde urged OBCs, Dalits, and Bahujans to unite beyond caste differences to counter division tactics. "If anyone schemes against the oppressed, poor, or backward classes, we will ensure they receive a fitting response," she proclaimed, implicitly referring to Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil's concurrent rally at Narayangad.

She criticized how incidents such as vehicle accidents or crimes now prompt caste inquiries, stating, "We do not desire a society where brutality against a child raises questions about the perpetrator's caste."

On this occasion, Munde affirmed, "I vow that the wealth and heritage bestowed upon me by Munde Saheb... I will never make you yield. Whether in power or out of it, the interests of the common people will always be close to my heart."

"I will safeguard the legacy of Munde Saheb. I will fight for the people of the Eighteen Pagar caste. I will fight for all castes," she declared.

She encouraged her supporters, "Consume less, but maintain your self-respect. Do not accept anyone's money, do not engage in deceitful work or shady business, and avoid following goons; there is no need for this. Good things happen to good individuals. Bhagwan Baba's blessings are with them. I am proud of you."

Significantly, at the Dussehra rally, devotees of Sant Bhagwan Baba not only from Beed district but also from across the state, along with numerous supporters of Gopinath Munde, gathered at Bhagwan Bhakti Gad to hear Pankaja Munde speak.