In the midst of the ongoing verbal clash between OBC leader and Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, Bhujbal emphasized the importance of garnering support across political lines to protect the OBC community’s reservation. Expressing concern over the agitation led by Jarange-Patil, Bhujbal stressed the need for public awareness, legal avenues, and government intervention to safeguard OBC reservation rights.
Bhujbal, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) faction, highlighted the collaborative efforts of OBC leaders from various political parties in rallies to address the urgency of preserving OBC reservation. He criticized Jarange-Patil, challenging him to participate and win in a gram panchayat poll before challenging established leaders. Mocking Jarange-Patil’s broader claims, Bhujbal asserted that the activist, along with Maratha counterparts, is jeopardizing the quotas of various OBC communities, including the Dhangars.
Addressing the activist directly, Bhujbal urged him to halt the agitation against OBCs, suggesting that such a move would be appreciated by the community. Dismissing reports of his resignation, Bhujbal clarified that there was no discussion on the matter during the Cabinet meeting.
On the other hand, Jarange-Patil remained steadfast in his commitment to resume the agitation from February 10, demanding that the Eknath Shinde-led government fulfill its promise to grant OBC caste certificates to blood relatives of Marathas with Kunbi records. He insisted that the government must call a special Assembly session for the Maratha quota issue and warned of implementing the Kunbi OBC certificates Ordinance before the specified time.
Jarange-Patil outlined upcoming programs in Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Nashik, expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of communication from the government regarding the proposed
agitation.