Chhagan Bhujbal Announces Protests Against Maratha Quota Decision

Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal has announced protests against the state governments decision regarding the Maratha quota. The protests will be held outside the residences of MLAs, MPs, and tehsildars on February 1.

Mumbai, January 28: Maharashtra minister and senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal has announced a series of protests against the state government's decision regarding the Maratha quota. Bhujbal, who held a meeting with OBC legislators, leaders, and others at his official residence in Mumbai, expressed strong opposition to the draft published by the chief minister on January 26, which accepted the demands of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange.

Protests Planned Outside Residences of MLAs, MPs, and Tehsildars

Bhujbal declared that protests will be held outside the residences of MLAs, MPs, and tehsildars on February 1 to voice their disapproval of the government's decision. He emphasized that the current approach of offering reservation benefits to the Maratha community through illegal means is unacceptable. Additionally, Bhujbal announced plans for an Elgar rally from Marathwada to unite OBCs against such decisions.

Concerns Over Maratha Inclusion in OBC Category

Bhujbal expressed concerns about the government's move to recognize all blood relatives of Maratha community members with Kunbi caste records as Kunbis, making them eligible for the Kunbi OBC certificate. He questioned the legality of these changes, highlighting that a clear definition of relatives is already provided in the law. Bhujbal warned that inducting Marathas into the OBC category would push the existing backward classes out and deprive them of their rightful reservation benefits.

Demands for Cancellation of Draft and Discontinuation of Committee

The meeting held by Bhujbal resulted in the passing of a resolution demanding the cancellation of the draft published by the chief minister on January 26. Additionally, the resolution called for the discontinuation of the Justice Retd. Sandeep Shinde Committee, which is looking into the Kunbi records of Marathas, due to its unconstitutional nature.

Allegations of Conflict of Interest and Partiality

Bhujbal raised concerns about the alleged conflict of interest involving Sunil Shukre, the head of the Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes (MSCBC). He pointed out that Shukre is actively involved in the Maratha reservation movement, which raises questions about his impartiality. Bhujbal claimed that Shukre's inclination towards granting reservation to the Maratha community goes against the principles of his position.

Criticism of Government's Approach to OBC Reservation

Bhujbal criticized the state government for issuing several Government Resolutions (GRs) solely to meet the demands of Marathas. He asserted that the government's attempts to provide a backdoor entry to Marathas by issuing Kunbi caste certificates will result in the loss of reservation benefits for over 300 OBC castes. Bhujbal emphasized that the move will disproportionately benefit Marathas at the expense of other backward classes.

Support from BJP MLCs

BJP MLCs Ram Shinde and Gopichand Padalkar attended the meeting and expressed their support for Bhujbal's demands and resolutions. Their presence signifies the growing discontent within the ruling coalition over the handling of the Maratha quota issue.

Chhagan Bhujbal's announcement of protests and his criticism of the state government's approach to the Maratha quota have intensified the ongoing debate over reservation policies in Maharashtra. The coming days will be crucial as the government faces pressure to address the concerns raised by Bhujbal and other OBC leaders while also ensuring social justice for all communities.