Union Minister Narayan Rane on Monday objected to the Maharashtra government’s decision to issue Kunbi certificates to members of the Maratha community and said “proud Marathas” do not want to be included in the Kunbi section Enjoy retention benefits.

“Proud Marathas will not be included in Kunbis and seek benefits of reservation. This may mean encroachment on existing OBCs,” Rane, former chief minister and senior BJP leader, said on social media Posted on platform X said.

“I request the Maharashtra government not to suppress the Maratha community which has a glorious war history. This is a delicate issue and the state needs to look into it in depth,” he further said.

Rane said the Marathas numbered nearly 40 million and accounted for 32 per cent of the state’s population, adding that “caste, religion and country are superior to any position”.

While in Congress, Raine headed a Maratha Quota Committee, although granting such benefits based on its recommendations did not pass the legal test. Rane on Sunday also expressed disapproval of the state government’s decision to issue Kunbi certificates to relatives based on caste certificates or old documents. His objection came as state minister Chagan Bhujbal expressed similar views.

Senior OBC leader Bhujbal on Sunday said a protest will be held on February 1 outside the residences of MLAs, MLAs and Tehsildar MPs against the state government’s decision on Maratha quota. Bhujbal’s announcement comes after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange called off his move on Saturday after the state government said it had accepted his demand.

A draft notification issued by the government accepted Jalanji’s demand for issuance of Kunbi Caste (OBC) certificates to ‘saints’ (blood relatives) of the Marathas.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)