Bhujbal Opposes Maratha Quota GR Over OBC Rights Threat
Bhujbal demands withdrawal of Maratha quota GR, warns of OBC quota dilution.
Maharashtra cabinet minister and prominent Other Backward Classes (OBC) leader Chhagan Bhujbal, representing the Akhil Bhartiya Mahatma Phule Samta Parishad, urged the state government to withdraw or amend a controversial Government Resolution (GR) issued on September 2, 2025, facilitating Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Marathas. The GR, issued by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, allows Marathas with historical records in the Hyderabad gazetteer to claim OBC benefits, prompting concerns among OBC communities about potential quota dilution across more than 350 castes.
Bhujbal’s organization argues that the resolution, issued hastily under pressure from the Maratha community, lacks cabinet approval and stakeholder consultation, risking legal and social repercussions.
The GR, a response to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange’s hunger strike in Mumbai, establishes a simplified process for Marathas to obtain Kunbi certificates based on affidavits and historical records, bypassing the rigorous procedures mandated by the Maharashtra Caste Certificate Act, 2000 and 2012 Rules for other OBC castes.
Bhujbal criticized the use of the term “Maratha community” in the GR, arguing it is unlawful since Marathas are already recognized under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2024, with a separate 10% reservation. He warned that allowing Marathas to access OBC quotas could enable them to benefit from dual reservations, creating inequity and unrest among OBC communities.
The parishad highlighted that the Justice Shinde Committee had already verified over 47,845 records in Marathwada, issuing 2,39,021 Kunbi certificates with only 428 rejections, questioning the necessity of a new GR. Bhujbal’s group also objected to vague terms like “relation” and “kul” in affidavits, which they argue could lead to arbitrary approvals and social discord.
The organization demanded the GR’s cancellation or modification to safeguard OBC quotas and urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address these concerns to prevent further agitation. Bhujbal has previously vowed to challenge the GR in court, signaling a deepening rift within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Also Read: Maharashtra Minister Opposes Taking OBC Quota for Marathas
Also Read: Maharashtra Minister Opposes Taking OBC Quota for Marathas
