Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Defends GR on Maratha Kunbi Certificates Amid OBC Backlash
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the ongoing controversy over the government’s decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas. On Thursday, he clarified that the Government Resolution (GR) released on September 2 focuses solely on providing certificates to those with solid proof of Kunbi lineage, and it doesn’t grant blanket reservations to anyone.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis emphasized the careful planning behind the GR. "We’ve thought this through legally," he said. "It won’t harm the OBC community in any way. The GR doesn’t offer general reservations—it only helps genuine Kunbis get certificates if they provide real evidence." He urged OBC leaders to read the document closely, stressing that approvals will come only after verifying the proof.
The statement comes as OBC groups voice concerns and plan a march in Mumbai. Fadnavis dismissed the need for protests, saying he’s already in talks with OBC leaders. "Many are satisfied after we explained it," he noted. "But if politics drives someone to march, I can’t stop them." He added that the government will defend its position strongly in court, especially with two petitions already challenging the GR in the Bombay High Court.
This row erupted after NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal, founder of Samata Parishad, boycotted a recent state Cabinet meeting. Bhujbal slammed the GR as rushed, issued under pressure from the powerful Maratha community without Cabinet discussion or public input. He warned it could erode OBC reservations.
Fadnavis pushed back firmly. "Marathas will get their rights, and OBCs will get theirs," he declared. "We won’t let communities clash." He highlighted historical context, especially in Marathwada, where British records don’t exist due to Nizam rule. Instead, the government relies on the Hyderabad Gazette for evidence. "Only true Kunbis qualify based on that," he explained. "The GR ensures no one can fake it—benefits go only to those who deserve them."
The GR follows protests led by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil in Mumbai, pushing for Kunbi certificates to access OBC benefits. As debates heat up over Maratha reservations and OBC quotas in Maharashtra, Fadnavis reiterated the government’s commitment to fairness for all.
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