Cracks In Shinde-Led Maha Yuti? Maratha Quota Divides Ruling Dispensation

Differences have emerged among the parties within the ruling coalition in Maharashtra over the draft notification proposing a universal Kunbi certificate for the Maratha community to assert reservation rights in both education and employment opportunities.

The draft notification was issued by the Eknath-Shinde government following negotiations with Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, stating that blood relatives of a Maratha person, who has records to show that he belongs to the agrarian Kunbi community, would also be recognised as Kunbi.

Unhappy with the CM's decision, Maharashtra minister and senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Sunday said protests will be held outside the residences of MLAs, MPs and tehsildars on February 1 against the state government's decision over the Maratha quota.

"We will gather outside the residences of MLAs, MPs and tehsildars to protest against the current decision of the state government that is taking illegal ways to offer reservation benefits to the Maratha community. We will also hold an Elgar rally from Marathwada to unite OBCs against such decisions," PTI quoted him as saying.

"Steps are taken to fool the OBCs in the state. When a clear definition of relatives is stated in the law, why changes have been made illegally? Induction of Marathas into OBCs will push the existing backward classes out and they will be deprived of the reservation benefits," Bhujbal further added.

Bhujbal, an NCP MLA from Ajit Pawar faction, has been critical of his own government over its handling of the Maratha quota issue. "The meeting held today passed a resolution to cancel the draft published by the chief minister on January 26. The second demand is to discontinue justice (retd) Sandeep Shinde committee (looking into Kunbi records of Marathas) because it is an unconstitutional body," Bhujbal added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Narayan Rane said he does not agree with the Maharashtra government's decision to give all benefits enjoyed by the OBCs to Marathas. On his Twitter account, he said that it would be an encroachment on the (rights of) other backward communities and could lead to unrest in Maharashtra.

On Saturday, activist Manoj Jarange ended his indefinite fast for the Maratha quota as the Maharashtra government acceded to his demands. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared that until Marathas secure reservation, they will receive all the benefits currently enjoyed by the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).