Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 4: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday sought to defuse rising tensions between the Maratha and OBC communities, assuring that the MahaYuti government would not allow any injustice to either group. Amid protests from OBC leaders over a government notification enabling Marathas to obtain Kunbi caste certificates, Fadnavis clarified that “Marathas will get the rights of Marathas and OBCs will get the rights of OBCs.”

The statement came a day after NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal boycotted the cabinet meeting to protest the move, which followed pressure from pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil. The government resolution allows Marathas from the Marathwada region to apply for Kunbi certificates using historical evidence from the Hyderabad Gazette — a decision some OBC groups fear could dilute their reservation benefits.

Addressing these concerns, CM Fadnavis reiterated that the notification is based strictly on documented evidence. “Only those who are truly Kunbis will receive the certificate. There is no room for misrepresentation. The Gazette evidence from the Nizam-era is specific and traceable,” he said.

Fadnavis also dismissed rumours of Bhujbal walking out of the cabinet, stating, “He did not leave the meeting. We have spoken, and I have assured him that the resolution will not impact the OBC quota.”

While acknowledging that some OBC organisations had welcomed the move, he added, “If there are still doubts — from Bhujbal or anyone else — we are open to clarifying them.”

Bhujbal, meanwhile, doubled down on his opposition in a post on X, expressing concern over growing unrest among OBC communities across Maharashtra. “There is confusion surrounding this resolution. Protests are being held, memorandums are being submitted, and fasts have started in several districts,” he wrote. He further indicated that legal experts were reviewing the resolution and confirmed that going to court remains an option.

Despite growing tensions, Fadnavis maintained that the government is committed to avoiding a confrontation between communities. “We are not taking away anyone’s rights. We are only giving benefits to those who are genuinely eligible,” he said.

Earlier this week, following Jarange-Patil’s decision to end his fast, Fadnavis had described the notification as a balanced step meant to address both Maratha and OBC concerns.

With protests continuing and legal challenges looming, the government’s next steps will be closely watched by both communities.