Union Minister Narayan Rane has expressed his opposition to the Maharashtra government`s intention to award Kunbi caste certificates to members of the Maratha community as the Maratha quota row intensifies. Rane, a prominent BJP politician, voiced concern that “proud Marathas” would not want to be classified as Kunbis to receive reservation benefits, emphasising the potential impact on existing Other Backward Classes (OBCs), stated a report in PTI.
According to the report, Marathas, who account for roughly four crore of the state`s population, are in a difficult situation as the government seeks to expand quota privileges by issuing Kunbi certificates. Rane emphasised the importance of conducting a comprehensive investigation into the issue, citing the Maratha community`s long history of conflicts and fights.
“Proud Marathas would not get included in Kunbis and seek benefits of reservations. This could mean an encroachment over the existing OBCs,” the senior BJP leader and former state chief minister said adding that the press conference he had called on the matter has been cancelled.
मराठा आरक्षण या विषयावर आज पत्रकार परिषद आयोजित केली होती. ही पत्रकार परिषद रद्द करण्यात येत आहे. या विषयावर मला महाराष्ट्र शासनाला विनंती करावयाची आहे. छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांच्या महाराष्ट्रात लढवय्येपणाचा वारसा आणि इतिहास असलेल्या मराठा समाजाचे खच्चीकरण होणार नाही याची…
— Narayan Rane (@MeNarayanRane) January 29, 2024
“It is my request to the Maharashtra government not to suppress the Maratha community that has a glorious history of wars and battles. It is a delicate matter that the state needs to study deeply,” he added.
Rane`s opposition, who previously chaired a Maratha quota committee when in Congress, is consistent with the views of state minister Chhagan Bhujbal, a top OBC leader. Bhujbal indicated preparations to protest the state government`s decision on February 1, which fanned the Maratha quota row further.
The ongoing dispute arises from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde`s remark that until Marathas acquire a reservation, they will be entitled to all advantages enjoyed by OBCs. The draft notification suggests recognising blood relatives of a Maratha individual who have records indicating affinity with the agrarian Kunbi community as Kunbi.
Activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been spearheading the agitation for reservation for the Marathas since last year, has been demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas. The activist had recently begun marching towards Mumbai to stage a protest at Azad Maidan but stopped shy of entering the city. He was camping in Navi Mumbai`s Vashi where thousands of his supporters had also joined him.
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