Maratha Quota: Maha Min Chhagan Bhujbal, OBC Face of NCP's Ajit Faction, to Rally Against Govt on Feb 3

Chhagan Bhujbal, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and minister in the Maharashtra government, seems to be unhappy with his own state government.

Bhujbal, the face of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) for the Ajit Pawar-led faction, expressed his displeasure over the decision of the state to accept the demands of Maratha community leader Manoj Jarange on X. Bhujbal has always protested against the demand for inclusion of Maratha community in the ‘Kunbi’ caste.

This was the main demand of Jarange, who held a massive rally approaching Mumbai, along with other demands related to the community.

Bhujbal posted, “My request to the entire OBC community is that all 374 castes, which are part of OBC, should come together and protest on the roads. On the 1st of Feb, protest rallies should be held on the residence of local MLAs, and MPs. In these rallies, our memorandum of ‘Save OBC’ should be given to them. I request all of you to come in huge numbers and take out these rallies. Also till the 16th Feb, the state government has asked to register objections to the ‘ordinance’ that the state government will be issuing. I request you all to register your objections in large numbers. On the 3rd of Feb, we have organised a big rally of OBCs in Ahmednagar district, all should attend this rally in large numbers."

While interacting with the media, Bhujbal said, “It seems the state government has succumbed to the pressure of the Maratha community and taken decisions which are illegal and unfair for the OBC community. We will be raising our voice against this in full force."

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while defending the state’s move, said, “With yesterday’s ordinance, the rights of the Maratha community have become easily available to them. It was legal for the registered Maratha community to obtain the certificate. While doing so, 100% security is also provided to the OBC community. The personal role of some leaders may be different on this. What has been done will be brought to their attention. The government has taken a decision that is benefiting the Maratha community, but there will be no injustice to any community."

“There is nothing for anyone to worry. Our government will not allow any injustice to the OBC community. Recently, the reservation given to the Maratha community was upheld in the High Court. However, due to some reasons, the Supreme Court rejected that reservation. We have also launched a survey to determine these reasons," he said.