Urgent Conflict: OBC Leaders Rally Against Maratha Quota GR; Bhujbal’s Bold Court Challenge Sparks Outrage!

The ongoing Maratha reservation controversy intensified on September 3, 2025, prompting threats of widespread protests from Other Backward Class (OBC) leaders and staunch opposition from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Bhujbal announced his intent to challenge the Maharashtra government’s recent decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Maratha individuals through legal action.

This contentious issue arose following a Government Resolution (GR) from the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department which permits Marathas who can provide documentation of Kunbi ancestry to access OBC benefits. The timing coincided with a five-day hunger strike by activist Manoj Jarange Patil in Mumbai, which he concluded after the state agreed to meet six of his eight demands.

Bhujbal, a prominent OBC leader, expressed skepticism regarding the GR, indicating his absence from both the Cabinet meeting and a separate NCP gathering led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. “OBC leaders are questioning the GR and the outcomes of Mr. Jarange’s agitation. We are seeking legal advice to understand if the government has the authority to alter caste classifications. I plan to approach the court personally,” Bhujbal stated to reporters.

The GR relies on historical references from the Hyderabad gazetteer, committing to a verification process for Marathas seeking Kunbi caste certificates. However, this initiative has faced severe condemnation from OBC representatives and activists. Laxman Hake criticized the government for allegedly unlawfully providing OBC benefits to Marathas, highlighting that such an action contradicts previous Supreme Court rulings and recommendations from both the Central and State Backward Commissions. “This is a contempt of court issue and poses a significant risk to the reservation system,” Hake asserted, calling for solidarity among OBC and nomadic communities to protest.

In defense of the state’s actions, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the decision was fully compliant with legal standards, assuring that no harm was done to other communities. Shinde mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would engage directly with Bhujbal to allay his concerns.

As tensions escalate, the Bombay High Court has intervened, asking Manoj Jarange and fellow organizers to respond to claims concerning significant damage to public property and injuries sustained by police during the protests. The Division Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe, requested affidavits from the organizers within four weeks, querying, “Who will be responsible for this? Who will bear the cost of repairs?”

Jarange’s legal representatives disputed these claims, asserting that no property was damaged and that circulating images were misattributed or outdated.

As this situation unfolds, the complexities surrounding the Maratha reservation issue continue to challenge the Maharashtra government, with both political and legal ramifications at play. The developments in this ongoing saga are closely monitored as key stakeholders navigate the intricate balance between reservation benefits and historical equity.

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/obc-leaders-threaten-stir-against-gr-on-maratha-quota-bhujbal-to-move-court/article70009036.ece
Category : Maharashtra
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Publish Date: 2025-09-03 20:39:00