The BRICS Times
Expressing dissatisfaction over the GR issued during Maratha leader Manoj Jarange’s hunger strike, Bhujbal refrained from attending the cabinet meeting earlier in the day.
Maharashtra minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Wednesday announced that he intends to challenge in court the Government Resolution (GR) issued by the state, which facilitates the process of granting Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community.
Bhujbal, one of the prominent leaders representing the Other Backward Classes (OBC), signaled his discontent with the resolution, issued while Maratha activist Manoj Jarange was on a hunger strike. Marking his protest, the veteran leader chose to stay away from the cabinet meeting held earlier in the day.
“OBC leaders have doubts about the GR….as to who won after Jarange’s agitation. We are seeking legal opinion on whether the government is authorized to change people’s caste,” Bhujbal told reporters, underlining the apprehension among OBC representatives.
When pressed on whether he personally would approach the court against the GR, Bhujbal confirmed that he would. He also opted out of another meeting convened by Nationalist Congress Party president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Reacting to Bhujbal’s stand, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde noted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would engage with Bhujbal to clarify the government’s position. According to Shinde, Bhujbal would be convinced once the facts were placed before him. “The decision taken by the government is in accordance with law. No injustice has been done to any other community while taking the decision,” he said while addressing the media.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who had been pressing for the recognition of Marathas as Kunbis in order to access reservation benefits, called off his five-day hunger strike on Tuesday. His decision came after the Fadnavis-led government issued a GR assuring steps to address the demand.
The Kunbi community, historically a traditional agrarian group, is listed under the OBC category in Maharashtra. However, several OBC groups have opposed the move to bring Marathas into this category, fearing dilution of their existing quota.
The GR issued by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department on Tuesday stated, “In accordance with the historical references contained in the Hyderabad gazetteer, a dedicated scrutiny process shall be conducted to verify documents and establish eligibility of persons from the Maratha community for Kunbi caste certificates.”
Akshay Didwaniya
