Maratha Quota: The agitation will begin on 1 February, with a Maharashtra yatra and a rally planned for 3 February. OBCs are calling on scheduled castes and scheduled tribes to join them in opposing the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that there will be no injustice to any community in the decision taken by the Maharashtra government on reservations. His statement came after Union Minister Narayan Rane disagreed with the decision, expressing concerns about dissatisfaction among other backward communities. The government aimed to benefit the Maratha community while ensuring no injustice to the OBC community.
State government's draft notification on Maratha reservation has drawn sharp reactions from OBC leaders. Cabinet minister and senior OBC politician Chhagan Bhujbal termed the notification 'illegal'. Bhujbal alleged state had 'succumbed' to the pressure from the Maratha community. Bhujbal has called a meeting to discuss the future course of action. He has appealed to leaders from other communities to attend the meeting. The minister apprehended the government's decision could have an impact on the reservation share of the OBC community.
Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal questions the "backdoor entry" of Marathas into OBC community, criticizes draft notification providing Kunbi certificates to all Marathas, and emphasizes that caste is determined by birth not affidavits. Bhujbal invites OBC leaders for talks to discuss the issue.