Mumbai: In the aftermath of the large-scale protest at Azad Maidan led by Manoj Jarange Patil, the Maharashtra government issued a new Government Resolution (GR) regarding Maratha reservation. The GR outlines a simplified process for granting Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community, based on the Hyderabad Gazette.
However, the decision has sparked discontent among the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community, who fear this move could dilute their own reservation benefits.
Bhujbal to Challenge GR in Court
In response, senior OBC leader and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal has decided to file a petition in the Bombay High Court within the next two days, challenging the new GR on Maratha reservation. The petition will present the OBC community’s concerns before the court, with Bhujbal acting as their representative.
Over the past few days, Bhujbal and his legal team have been preparing the necessary documentation. With all paperwork now complete, the petition will soon be submitted. Sameer Bhujbal has been entrusted with leading the legal proceedings on behalf of Chhagan Bhujbal.
Maratha Community Files Caveat
Anticipating legal action from the OBC side, the Maratha community has already filed a caveat in the court to ensure they are heard before any decision is made. The caveat was filed by Gangadhar Kalkute, a close aide of Manoj Jarange Patil, to intervene in any legal proceedings that may arise.
With Bhujbal’s legal challenge now imminent, all eyes are on how Manoj Jarange Patil and other Maratha activists will respond.
Bhujbal Deeply Displeased
Previously, several ministers from the ruling Mahayuti government, including Maratha Sub-Committee Chairman Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, had met with Jarange Patil at Azad Maidan to negotiate and calm the protest. Shortly after this meeting, the government issued the new GR in favor of Maratha reservation.
This development has greatly upset Chhagan Bhujbal, who even skipped a recent state cabinet meeting in protest.
Manoj Jarange Patil has claimed that the new GR would effectively bring the entire Maratha community under the OBC category, a move that OBC leaders like Bhujbal strongly oppose.
Now, with legal action underway, the situation is likely to intensify, and the outcome of this court battle could significantly shape the future of reservation politics in Maharashtra.
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