OBC Groups in Maharashtra Gear Up for Protests Against Maratha Reservation Push
Mumbai: OBC organisations in Maharashtra are fired up and ready to hit the streets. On Monday, they announced plans to protest and even take the matter to court over the state government’s recent Government Resolution (GR). This GR, issued on September 2, aims to implement the Hyderabad Gazette, which could let the Maratha community claim Kunbi status and access OBC reservations. Many worry this move will eat into the OBC quota without proper checks.
In a key meeting in Mumbai, leaders from around 13 OBC, Vimukta Jati, and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) groups came together. The gathering, called by Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Vijay Wadettiwar, echoed a similar one held in Nagpur on September 6. They decided to kick off a major public rally in Nagpur during the first week of October. Protests will soon spread to districts across Maharashtra, building momentum for the fight.
Wadettiwar made it clear: "Reservation is a right for everyone. We’re fine with giving it to those with genuine records, but we can’t back blanket reservations without scrutiny. This GR hurts OBC interests, and we’ll battle it out in court and on the streets to protect our rights." He slammed the state government for allegedly pitting Marathas against OBCs to distract from bigger issues like farmer suicides, unemployment, the state’s shaky finances, and contractor woes.
The groups at the meeting included heavyweights like Agari Samaj, Dhangar Samaj, Akhil Bharatiya Mali Mahasangh, Bara Balutedar Sanghatna, Balutedar Federation, Maharashtra Prantik Teli Samaj, OBC Sangharsh Samiti, OBC VJNT Bahujan Parishad, OBC Arakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, All Indian Banjara Seva Sangh, Mahatma Phule Yuva Manch, Maharashtra Vadar Samaj, and Koli Samaj. Under the banner of ‘Sakal OBC Samaj’, they vowed to launch a legal challenge too.
Wadettiwar added that district-level meetings will ramp up preparations. "We’re not against anyone—we’re just standing up for OBC rights," he said.
Adding to the buzz, Maharashtra Minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, a prominent OBC voice, has already voiced strong objections to the GR. He plans to file petitions in the Supreme Court and Bombay High Court soon to safeguard OBC reservations and stop what he sees as unfair changes.
This brewing conflict over Maratha reservation and OBC rights in Maharashtra could shake up the state’s politics. Stay tuned as more details emerge on these OBC protests and the legal battles ahead.
