OBC activist Laxman Hake has ignited a firestorm by vowing that the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community will take to the streets in protest against the Maharashtra government’s decision to grant Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, potentially opening the door to OBC reservation benefits. Hake, a vocal opponent of including Marathas under the OBC quota, argued that the government has overstepped its authority with this move, which he sees as a direct threat to the existing reservation framework.

The controversy erupted after activist Manoj Jarange ended his five-day hunger strike in Mumbai on Tuesday, following the Devendra Fadnavis-led government’s acceptance of key demands. The state announced the formation of a committee to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas with verifiable historical ties to the Kunbi community—a traditional farming group already recognized as an OBC in Maharashtra. This certification would make eligible Marathas eligible for reservations in jobs and education, a decision formalized through a government resolution (GR) by the social justice and special assistance department, citing the Hyderabad gazetteer.

Hake fiercely contested the decision, asserting, “The government has no right to issue such a GR regarding reservations. The gazetteer does not classify Marathas as socially backward or justify their inclusion.” He challenged the use of revenue records as a basis for eligibility, drawing a parallel to the absurdity of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Banjaras based on similar gazetteer references. “This could create a cascade of issues, and OBCs along with Vimukt Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) will not stand for it,” he warned, hinting at widespread protests.

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The activist’s outrage stems from his long-standing opposition to Jarange’s campaign, which he believes dilutes the OBC quota. He demanded that political leaders clarify their stance on this perceived intrusion, accusing the government of prioritizing political expediency over fairness. The move has already sparked heated debates across Maharashtra, with OBC groups gearing up for demonstrations to protect their share of the reservation pie.

As tensions rise, the government faces mounting pressure to justify its policy, while the newly formed committee prepares to scrutinize historical records. The outcome could reshape Maharashtra’s social and political landscape, with Hake’s threat of street action adding urgency to an already volatile situation.

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