Quota Activist Jarange Accuses Maharashtra Minister Bhujbal of Neglecting OBCs
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 30th Jan. Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday said that the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have come to realize that Maharashtra cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal has done nothing for them. He further added that they would not be upset if Bhujbal resigns from his position.
Recently, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the Marathas would receive all the benefits enjoyed by the OBCs until they obtain reservation, which has been criticized by Bhujbal.
Following negotiations with Jarange, the government has issued a draft notification stating that relatives of a Maratha individual who can prove their affiliation with the agrarian Kunbi community will also be recognized as Kunbi.
Kunbi, an agrarian community, falls under the OBC category. Jarange, who has been leading the reservation movement for the Marathas since last August, has been demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas.
Senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal has announced that protests will be held on February 1 outside the residences of MLAs, MPs, and tehsildars to oppose the state government’s decision regarding the Maratha quota.
On Tuesday, Jarange visited Raigad district to pay tribute to Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Raigad fort.
“Even the OBCs have realized that Bhujbal has done nothing for them in the past several years. They will not be upset if he steps down,” Jarange stated.
On Monday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that he would discuss Bhujbal’s opposition to the state government’s decision on the Maratha quota with his party and cabinet colleagues. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis also assured that he would address Bhujbal’s concerns regarding the OBC quota issue in light of the draft notification on the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas.
Fadnavis added that the government would make amendments if necessary, without specifically mentioning the notification.
