In Beed, Maharashtra, Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde made a strong case on Thursday for protecting the reservation rights of OBC communities while pushing for benefits for the Maratha community. Speaking at a lively Dussehra rally in Bhagwan Bhakti Gad, the BJP leader urged everyone to avoid disturbing the existing quotas for socially backward groups.
Munde stressed that OBC castes in Maharashtra—over 350 of them—still face real challenges today. “Their 27 percent quota can’t be touched when we extend similar support to Marathas,” she said, highlighting the Mahayuti government’s dedication to OBC interests. She pointed out that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has always stood up for OBC rights and referenced a new state committee formed last month. This group issues Kunbi certificates only to Marathas who can prove their OBC roots, aiming to balance the ongoing Maharashtra reservation debate without harming existing shares.
As someone who also oversees the state’s Animal Husbandry Department, Munde shared a personal commitment. “Even without a position, I won’t leave my supporters behind—five people tragically took their lives in suicides before I became an MLC,” she said. Drawing on her father Gopinath Munde’s legacy, she vowed to fight for every caste, including the Dhangar community, which recently protested for their own reservation demands. “Gopinath Munde supported Maratha reservation, and so do we,” Munde added. “My only request is: don’t cut into the OBC quota.”
Her words served as a direct call to OBC voters, warning against “conspiracies” that could weaken their 27 percent share. This comes amid heated protests over Maratha and OBC quotas in Maharashtra, especially after the government released a resolution on September 2 to provide Kunbi certificates to eligible Marathas. The move followed a major demonstration by pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil in Mumbai.
Munde called for unity among OBCs, Dalits, and Bahujans to push back against divisive tactics. “If anyone schemes against the poor or backward classes, we’ll give them a strong response,” she declared, taking a subtle jab at Jarange-Patil’s rival rally in Narayangad. She also slammed how everyday tragedies, like vehicle accidents or crimes against children, now trigger caste-based questions. “We don’t want a society where brutality leads to debates over the attacker’s caste,” she said.
Wrapping up with emotion, Munde promised to uphold her father’s values. “I swear I’ll never make you bow down, whether I’m in power or opposition—the common man’s interests stay close to my heart,” she told the crowd. “I’ll fight for the Eighteen Pagar caste and all others.” She even offered heartfelt advice to her supporters: “Eat less if you must, but hold onto your self-respect. Don’t chase money or follow troublemakers—good things come to good people, and Bhagwan Baba’s blessings are with you. I’m proud of you all.”
The rally drew thousands, including devotees of Sant Bhagwan Baba from across Maharashtra and fans of Gopinath Munde, creating an electric atmosphere as they gathered to hear Munde’s message on reservation rights and community unity.
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