Government's decision on Maratha quota could lead to unrest in Maharashtra: Union Minister Narayan Rane

File photo. PTI

Union Minister Narayan Rane expressed disagreement on Sunday with the Maharashtra government's recent decision to extend all benefits enjoyed by the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to the Maratha community until they are granted reservation.

Rane, a former chief minister of the state, believes that such a move would infringe upon the rights of other backward communities and may potentially lead to unrest in Maharashtra.

Pertinently, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday called off his indefinite fast for Maratha reservation after the Maharashtra government accepted his demands, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announcing that till Marathas get reservation, they will be given all the benefits enjoyed by the OBCs.

A draft notification was issued by the Maharashtra government following negotiations with Jarange, stating that blood relatives of a Maratha person, who has records to show that he belongs to the agrarian Kunbi community, would also be recognised as Kunbi.

In a post on X, Rane stated that he disapproves of the state government's decision and its assurance to the Maratha community regarding reservation. He emphasized that such a move might suppress the historical legacy of the Maratha community and encroach upon the rights of other backward communities, potentially leading to unrest in the state. Rane indicated that he would address the issue further on Monday.

"It will lead to suppression of the Maratha community that has a historical legacy and it will also be an encroachment on the other backward communities," he said. "It could lead to an unrest in the state," Rane said, adding he will speak on the issue on Monday also.

Notably, Maharashtra cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal has also expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's decision. He questioned what he described as the "backdoor entry" of Marathas into the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The Kunbi community, classified as OBC, has been at the center of the controversy, with Jarange demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted to allay concerns within the OBCs, stating that Marathas would not receive Kunbi caste certificates without proper evidence. (With inputs from PTI)