On Monday, leaders of Other Backward Classes (OBC) outfits resolved to oppose the Government Resolution (GR) on the Maratha quota, both through legal channels and public demonstrations, news agency PTI reported.
Following the meeting, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar addressed the media, highlighting a key concern: the removal of the term “eligible” from the second GR issued by the Maharashtra Government.
“In the first GR, the term ‘eligible’ was included, but it has been dropped in the second. This omission suggests that the Maratha community may now receive a blanket reservation under the OBC quota. This is unjust and threatens the rights of the original OBC communities,” Wadettiwar said, according to PTI.
He announced that a major morcha (protest march) of OBC groups will be held in Nagpur during the first week of October to oppose the government`s decision.
Legal petitions challenging the GR are also expected to be filed in court this week.
Wadettiwar stressed that the OBC community will need to fight on two fronts, in the courts and on the streets. He added that similar meetings of regional OBC organisations have already taken place in Nagpur and other districts, signalling a broader mobilisation, PTI reported.
“Those joining the agitation should keep aside their party affiliations and unite under the OBC cause. This is not about opposing anyone, but about protecting the rights of OBCs. The GR clearly undermines our rightful share,” Wadettiwar said.
According to Wadettiwar, OBC organisations have decided to intensify the agitation at district level, with planning meetings to be held across Maharashtra in the coming weeks.
The Devendra Fadnavis Government is trying to divert attention from issues like farmers` suicides, unemployment, and the state`s financial crisis, he alleged.
“The state government is trying to pit Marathas and OBCs against each other. While farmers are taking their own lives, the government is playing politics over quotas,” Wadettiwar said, according to PTI.
Manoj Jarange reiterates demand for Maratha reservation under Kunbi category
Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil has intensified his demand for reservation for the Maratha community under the Kunbi category, stressing that poor children are suffering without it. He urged the government to grant under 50 per cent reservation, asserting, “All Marathas should get at least under 50 per cent reservation. My agitation is solely for the welfare of the Marathi people and society.”
Jarange emphasised that nothing is bigger than his community, not even politicians, and vowed to win the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Deputy CM Shinde. “I will not shame the Maratha community or allow anyone else to do so. Poor people need reservations, and all Western Maharashtra residents will unite for this cause, if necessary,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)
