Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 4: Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Thursday called for a temporary halt to all OBC-led protests, fasts, and marches in light of the Ganeshotsav festival, following the state government’s controversial decision to grant Kunbi status to Marathas under the Hyderabad Gazetteer.

Bhujbal, a senior NCP leader and a prominent voice for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), skipped the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday in protest. He expressed concerns that the government’s move could potentially dilute OBC reservation benefits and said he is consulting legal experts to determine whether to challenge the decision in the High Court or Supreme Court.

“There’s a lot of confusion about the recent government resolution (GR) on Maratha reservation,” Bhujbal posted on social media platform X. “Various backward-class organisations and leaders are protesting by submitting memorandums at tehsil offices and collectorates, staging fasts, and organising marches across the state.”

He stressed the importance of maintaining peace during Ganeshotsav, which culminates this Saturday with Ganpati immersions. “Many homes are currently celebrating the festival, and public holidays this weekend must also be taken into account. We are likely to approach the court by Monday or Tuesday after consulting legal experts,” he said.

Bhujbal, who also heads the Samata Parishad, revealed he has already shared key documents with legal professionals and OBC leaders. He called for a detailed legal review of the GR and said any future course of action would depend on the experts' advice.

He added that OBC leaders who have already submitted their concerns to authorities should continue to do so, but emphasized a pause on more aggressive forms of protest.

“I respectfully request that all fasts, marches, and symbolic acts like tearing GR copies be suspended for now,” he said. “Let’s continue to present our case in a calm but firm manner.”

Bhujbal's appeal is significant amid rising tensions between OBC groups and Maratha activists. The government’s decision to implement the Hyderabad Gazetteer to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas—believed to strengthen their claim to OBC quota—has been met with fierce resistance by several OBC organisations. Many have accused the government of bowing to pressure from pro-Maratha campaigner Manoj Jarange-Patil.

Despite the concerns, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, chair of the cabinet sub-committee on the Maratha reservation issue, has sought to reassure the OBC community. “There is no threat to OBC reservation,” he said, asserting that the government resolution will not affect existing quotas.

Bhujbal concluded by saying a final decision would be announced after full consultations with all stakeholders. “Once our legal review is complete and discussions with OBC leaders are held, I will declare our next steps. Until then, I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and refrain from disruptive protests,” he said.