The state government’s order, issued earlier this month, allows eligible Marathas to obtain Kunbi caste certificates on the basis of historical records. However, multiple caste groups have warned that the move could erode existing benefits for OBCs, SCs and STs
CM Devendra Fadnavis. File pic
The controversy over Maratha reservation in Maharashtra escalated on Sunday as several OBC, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe groups raised objections to a government resolution (GR) linked to the Hyderabad gazette, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to caution against “politics of extreme”, reported news agency PTI.
The state government’s order, issued earlier this month, allows eligible Marathas to obtain Kunbi caste certificates on the basis of historical records. Activist Manoj Jarange has been leading an agitation pressing for Maratha inclusion in the OBC category. However, multiple caste groups have warned that the move could erode existing benefits for OBCs, SCs and STs.
“This politics of extremes is creating an impression that OBC reservation has ended. It is affecting the psyche of OBC students,” Fadnavis said, urging leaders of both communities to clarify facts before the public, reported PTI. He assured that only those with valid Kunbi records would be issued certificates, and “bogus” claims would not be entertained.
OBC activists Navnath Waghmare and Satusung Mundhe said the expansion of quota would threaten the rights of 374 castes already listed under the OBC category, announcing a major morcha in Nagpur on October 10.
The issue has also triggered protests among Banjaras, with outfit Gor Sena alleging that their community was recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in Hyderabad state and demanding restoration of those rights. Its leader Sandesh Chavan claimed that a 32-year-old Banjara graduate died by suicide on Saturday, leaving behind a note pressing for ST reservation. Banjara youths have been on an indefinite hunger strike in Jalna since September 11, while former MP Haribhau Rathod has announced morchas in Jalna and Beed on Monday.
Meanwhile, Adivasi outfits opposed the Banjara demand, pointing out that the community already benefits from a three per cent quota under the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) category.
Opposition leader Sharad Pawar accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of deepening social divides, reported PTI.
“The government is attempting to weaken the social fabric. We must counter it and ensure this does not happen, even if one has to pay a political price,” the NCP (SP) chief said. He rejected allegations of links to Jarange’s agitation, calling them “baseless.”
Responding, Fadnavis remarked, “Everyone knows what Pawar saheb is famous for. When he says ‘X’, consider it as ‘Y’. He is a big leader—what more can I say?”
The quota dispute has its roots in the Hyderabad state era, when the administration documented castes and occupations in official gazettes. Marathas were granted reservation in education and jobs in 1918, a precedent now being invoked in their bid for OBC status.
(With PTI inputs)
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