Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to granting reservation to the Maratha community without disrupting the existing Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota, addressing a heated agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange. Jarange, demanding a 10% reservation for Marathas under the OBC category, began a march to Mumbai with hundreds of supporters on Wednesday, coinciding with the start of the Ganesh festival.

Speaking in Nagpur, Bawankule emphasized, “The government is moving forward to ensure Marathas get reservation without affecting OBC rights.” He strongly criticized Jarange’s alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, warning, “Maharashtra won’t tolerate insults to Fadnavis; the people will respond.” Bawankule also suggested the protests could have been deferred to avoid clashing with the Ganesh festival, a major Hindu celebration, urging political parties backing the agitation to prioritize public sentiment.

On other pressing issues, Bawankule addressed crop losses due to excessive rainfall, noting that damage assessment reports are complete and relief for affected farmers is forthcoming. He added that Chief Minister Fadnavis has instructed guardian ministers to oversee the situation in their districts.

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Commenting on a recent meeting between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and his cousin, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, during the Ganesh festival, Bawankule downplayed political speculation, calling it a “family gathering” devoid of political motives.

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