Marathas should not be added to OBC quota, says Chhagan Bhujbal

Chhagan Bhujbal

Maharashtra minister and senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday said Marathas should not be accommodated in the quota for Other Backwards Classes (OBC), noting that only 17 per cent reservation is available for 374 communities in the state.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of OBC leaders, Bhujbal warned that lakhs from the OBC community would protest if their share of reservation is reduced.

Activist Manoj Jarange has been on a hunger strike since August 29 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, demanding Kunbi status for Marathas, which would make them eligible for OBC quota benefits.

“The court has already termed the demand to categorise Marathas and Kunbis as one community as foolish. Out of the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs, 6 per cent is for nomadic tribes, 2 per cent for the Gowari community and other small portions are earmarked for different groups. Only 17 per cent is left, and this too is shared among 374 communities,” Bhujbal said.

“Marathas should not be included in OBCs, I request with folded hands,” he added.

Bhujbal said OBCs are already struggling for limited opportunities in jobs and education, and any further dilution would harm them. He said he had met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to convey the concerns of OBC groups.

“I have apprised the chief minister of the stand taken by various OBC organisations, and they have made it clear that they will not allow their rights to be compromised,” he said.

The minister reiterated that they have no objection to Marathas getting reservations without affecting the OBC quota.