Bhujbal Says Maratha Quota GR Has Opened a ‘Pandora’s Box’

NCP Minister and OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday accused the Maharashtra government of unleashing chaos by yielding to quota activist Manoj Jarange's demand to use the Hyderabad gazetteer for issuing Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, enabling them to access OBC reservation benefits. Bhujbal, a vocal opponent of including Marathas in the OBC category, claimed the new government resolution (GR) omits the word "eligible", potentially allowing unqualified claims and undermining existing quotas.

Jarange ended his five-day Mumbai protest on Tuesday after the government met most demands, including facilitating Kunbi certificates for Marathas with historical evidence. The GR establishes village-level committees to verify documents and issue certificates, making recipients eligible for OBC perks.

"The government has opened a Pandora's box," Bhujbal told a TV channel, stressing that OBCs have no issue with certificates based on genuine gazetteer records. However, he alleged the revised GR permits fresh enquiries for Maratha applicants, bypassing eligibility checks due to pressure. He warned of widespread OBC protests if their reservations are diluted, vowing to fight on, citing his past departure from Balasaheb Thackeray over the Mandal Commission.

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Bhujbal predicted ripple effects, with communities like Jats and Patels demanding similar concessions via other gazettes, potentially converting many to Kunbis and eroding OBC quotas. "Marathas will not remain, and everyone will become Kunbi. "Will that not affect the OBC quota?" he questioned. The controversy highlights escalating tensions in Maharashtra's reservation politics amid demands for equitable caste-based benefits.

Also Read: Minister Bhujbal Warns OBCs Will Protest If Maratha Quota Encroaches