Will meet Chhagan Bhujbal to discuss his concerns over OBC quota: Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said he would relieve his Cabinet colleagues in view of the draft notification for issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas Chhagan Bhujbal’s concerns over OBC quota issue.

Fadnavis did not mention the notification specifically but said the government would make changes if necessary.

His remarks came against the backdrop of the government issuing a draft notification accepting Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange on the issuance of Kunbi Caste (OBC) to Maratha ‘saints’ (blood relatives) ) certificate requirements.

He also said that the government’s decision (on the Kunbi certificate notification) was not a blanket decision.

Fadnavis reiterated that the existing quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) would not be diluted under any circumstances, a day after Bhujbal announced his protest against the notification.

The draft notification, issued after talks with Jalanji, stipulates that a blood relative of a Maratha person, if records indicate that he belongs to the agricultural Kunbi community, will also be recognized as Kunbi (OBC sub-caste).

“The government’s stance on the Maratha reservation is very balanced. Under no circumstances will we allow any injustice to happen to the OBC,” Fadnavis told reporters at Nagpur airport.

He said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was very clear that the government would protect the OBC quota.

“Until the BJP comes to power, OBCs will not be treated unfairly. If there is a situation where OBCs feel that their interests are not being protected, I will report it to my superiors,” he added.

Fadnavis said he would contact Bhujbal and address his concerns.

“Bhujbal should express his disapproval and concerns over any unfair practices by OBC. We will make necessary changes or amendments. On the face of it, this decision (Kunbi Certificate Notification) is not a blanket decision. Mainly it is about having (Kunbi) Documented how (Maratha people) successfully obtained OBC certificate.”

Bhujbal, who belongs to the Ajit Pawar faction of the National Congress Party, on Sunday announced that he would hold a protest outside the residences of MLAs, MPs and Tehsildar MPs on February 1 against the state government’s decision on Maratha Tower quota decisions.

He said that the OBC leaders’ meeting chaired by him passed a resolution to cancel the draft announced by the chief minister on January 26, which accepted Jarange’s request.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis said the government has initiated the process regarding the Maratha reservation and the National Commission for Backward Classes is discharging its responsibilities.

“We should be patient,” the deputy prime minister added.

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