Jarange: Marathas Deserved Quota Since 1881, Bhujbal Blocking OBC Leaders
After the Mumbai fast, Jarange backs the Maratha quota, alleges Bhujbal blocks OBC leaders, and says protest cases are withdrawn.
Quota activist Manoj Jarange asserted on Friday that the Maratha community has been eligible for reservation since 1881, citing the Hyderabad gazetteer, but refrained earlier due to its progressive nature. Speaking from a hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after ending his five-day hunger strike, he emphasised the need for quotas to safeguard future generations: "Our forefathers were progressive, so they didn’t avail themselves of this benefit. But we must ensure a secure future for the coming generations."
Jarange called off his Mumbai protest at Azad Maidan on Tuesday following the Maharashtra government's resolution (GR) to form village-level committees for issuing Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas with historical evidence, enabling OBC benefits. He defended the GR, which incorporates the gazetteer, claiming it guarantees reservations for Marathas in Marathwada and is legally unchallengeable. Dismissing critics as "sudden experts" from within the community, he urged ignoring those creating confusion and confirmed corrections were made to the draft on-site.
He alleged that cases against Maratha protesters—nine registered for unlawful assembly and related charges—would be withdrawn, with ministers Pratap Sarnaik and Uday Samant overseeing it.
Also Read: Bhujbal Says Maratha Quota GR Has Opened a ‘Pandora’s Box’
Jarange targeted OBC leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal, accusing him of suppressing other OBC figures to "protect his image": "He exploits other OBC leaders and sidelines them. Till he is there, he won’t let anyone shine." Bhujbal has opposed Maratha inclusion in OBC quotas and hinted at legal action.
Additionally, Jarange supported the Banjara community's demand for ST reservation via the gazetteer, stating, "If their demand is genuine, they must get a quota." The poor should not be exploited." The controversy underscores ongoing tensions in Maharashtra's reservation politics.
Also Read: Bhujbal Says Maratha Quota GR Has Opened a ‘Pandora’s Box’
