OBC groups hint at massive stir on October 8 or 9; CM Devendra Fadnavis reiterates that community’s quota hasn’t been touched
Maratha reservation supporters outside Azad Maidan last week. PIC/SHADAB KHAN
Mumbai may see another reservation-related protest that could majorly disrupt daily life. On October 8 or 9, leaders of the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) plan to hold a protest in Mumbai against the Government Resolution (GR) granting Marathas OBC status. However, the move does not seem to have gone down well with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who claimed that OBC reservation had remained untouched and expressed regret that some were politicising the issue.
On Thursday, OBC leaders and organisations hinted at staging a protest in Mumbai to oppose the inclusion of all Marathas from Marathwada in the reservation category. Though the date and venue have not been confirmed, the agitation in Mumbai is likely to be held on October 8 or 9. The community is upset with the state government for issuing a GR that allows it to issue caste certificates based on the Hyderabad gazette. According to the OBC leaders, this GR qualifies all Marathas from Marathwada to easily get the certificate.
Questioning the inclusion of the Hyderabad gazette, Bhujbal said, “Already, at the local level, OBCs are protesting. One cannot rule out the possibility of them uniting for a bigger protest. In a democracy, even OBCs can come together and protest for their rights.” On August 29, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange commenced an indefinite hunger strike in South Mumbai to press for his demands, and on the fifth day of his hunger strike, the government gave in and issued the GR.
During the stir, the city struggled with traffic jams and disruptions caused by thousands of protesters coming to the city. Meanwhile, OBC community members have approached the Bombay High Court and filed a petition challenging the GR.
CM speaks
Asked about the court battle, Fadnavis reiterated that OBC leaders and organisations should read the GR carefully. “Nowhere does the GR mention sarsakhat [across-the-board] reservation for Marathas. Anyone who applies for the caste document will have to provide proof of their lineage. The documents submitted will be verified by the authorities concerned,” Fadnavis clarified, exhibiting confidence about the government successfully explaining its position in the court. Reacting to reports of OBC leaders contemplating a protest in Mumbai, the CM stated, “The GR is perfect. But, if someone still wants to play politics over it, what can be said?” Fadnavis added.
‘Clarity is needed’
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stated that the OBC community had certain concerns about the GR, and to address these, the government should call a meeting of all OBC organisations and leaders to create clarity. The former leader of the Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly also slammed the government for issuing the GR without cancelling the earlier document on Maratha reservation. “How can two GRs exist? The government should have mentioned the cancellation of earlier documents in the draft of the new GR,” Wadettiwar added.
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