By | Kunwarchand Mandle
Nanded : The controversy over the Maratha quota has taken a sharp turn with the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community across Maharashtra rising in protest against the government’s latest resolution. The new order, which allows Marathas from the Marathwada region to secure Kunbi caste certificates on the basis of old Hyderabad records, has triggered widespread anger among OBC leaders and activists who see it as an attempt to dilute their existing reservation rights.
In Nanded, representatives of various OBC groups gathered at Lokmanya Mangal Karyalay to decide the future course of action. Leaders accused the state government of betraying their trust, alleging that the Chief Minister had “put mud in the OBC’s plate” by clearing a move that directly encroaches upon their quota. Some speakers went further, accusing the ruling party of following the “Nizam’s record” instead of safeguarding OBC rights. The meeting witnessed fiery speeches, where leaders pledged to launch a large-scale agitation if the order is not withdrawn.
The growing anger is not confined to Nanded. Across the state, OBC activists have launched protests, including hunger strikes in Jalna’s Antarwali Sarati village. Demonstrators have burnt copies of the government resolution and vowed to intensify their agitation. Veteran OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal has already declared that he will challenge the order in court, while Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar has demanded an all-party meeting to clarify the government’s stand. Both have warned that the OBC community will not tolerate any compromise on its hard-earned reservation.
Despite the backlash, the government has defended its move. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde insisted that the resolution only simplifies the process of issuing Kunbi certificates and does not reduce opportunities for anyone. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis also reiterated that the interests of both OBC and Maratha communities will be protected, and that no injustice will be done to OBCs. However, his assurance has done little to calm tempers, as OBC leaders believe the government has opened a backdoor for Maratha reservation within their quota.
The issue has already taken on strong political overtones. OBC leaders have declared that they will not allow “anti-OBC” legislators, MPs, or ministers to enter their areas. They have also announced plans for mass demonstrations across Maharashtra in the coming weeks, with a major morcha expected in Nagpur in early October. Support from senior figures like Prakash Ambedkar, who has assured the OBC community of his full backing, has further emboldened the protest movement.
What began as a government gesture to pacify Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has now snowballed into a fierce confrontation between two powerful communities. With both OBC and Maratha groups standing firm on their positions, Maharashtra finds itself on the edge of a prolonged and politically volatile reservation battle.
