“Prevent Bhujbal From Igniting Discord Among Marathas & OBCs,” Manoj Jarange-Patil Slams NCP Chief

The dispute over the Maratha reservation in Maharashtra intensified when quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil demanded on Sunday that people prevent the NCP leader from “fulfilling his dream” and accused Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal of attempting to incite unrest by stoking a rift between the Marathas and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Jarange was speaking during a gathering in the Latur district’s Ausa town. According to Jarange, the battle for Marathas’ quota in government employment and education would soon be won. “We must prevail in this battle. For the last 70 years, the community has been yearning for a reserve, he added.

Bhujbal vs. Jarange War

Since the NCP minister rejected Jarange’s request to include Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category by labeling them as Kunbis, the two have been engaged in a savage verbal spat.

According to Jarange, Bhujbal shouldn’t ruin the mood since OBCs and Marathas coexist together and lend each other a helping hand when needed.

The minister’s goal is to incite riots by stoking tensions between the two populations. “People ought to forbid him from realizing his dream,” the activist said.

Jarange has been requesting that Maratha people be issued blanket Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates. He has given the state administration till December 24th to take action on his primary demand—a reservation in public employment and education.

“Over 150 members have been martyred in the fight for quota so far,” he stated, urging Maratha community members to be vigilant and patient. Their sacrifice cannot be in vain on our part. Avoid addiction so that no one can impede your advancement. In this manner, he said, the community will be recognized globally for its achievements.

Jarange Takes aim at State Government

“Do not teach us the language of sickle because we also have something,” Jarange stated, alluding to a recent, allegedly contentious statement made by an OBC leader.

He also took aim at the state administration, saying it was planning schemes to undermine their quota initiative. For example, he added, a group of medical professionals had previously determined that he lacked kidneys. He went on to say that it was all just a conspiracy.

Bhujbal has been against the Eknath Shinde-led government’s proposal to provide Marathas the advantage of quota by integrating them into the OBC category. The minister, a member of the NCP headed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has said that although he is in favor of Marathas receiving a quota, it shouldn’t come at the expense of other groups.