Chaggan Bhujbal’s visit came a day after subtly criticizing Pawar for the opposition’s absence from an all-party meeting on the Maratha quota issue.
On Monday, July 15th, Maharashtra Minister Chaggan Bhujbal met with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar at his residence in Mumbai, seeking Pawar’s intervention on the Maratha quota issue and addressing concerns raised by OBC leaders.
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Controversy Surrounding Maratha Quota and OBC Protests:
Source: Mid-Day
Activist Manoj Jarange has been advocating for the inclusion of the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category for reservations. Recently, OBC activists conducted an agitation to secure assurances that their existing quota would not be compromised.
The Maratha community in Maharashtra has been demanding reservation in education and government jobs for several years, citing historical marginalization and socio-economic challenges. The movement gained momentum, leading to large-scale protests and agitations across the state.
In November 2018, the Maharashtra government passed the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, providing a 16% reservation to Marathas in educational institutions and public employment. The law faced legal challenges, with opponents arguing that the reservation exceeded the 50% cap on reservations set by the Supreme Court of India.
In May 2021, the Supreme Court invalidated the SEBC Act, ruling that the Maratha community could not be categorized as educationally and socially backward. This ruling intensified the demand for alternative solutions to address the Maratha community’s concerns.
The Maharashtra government has been exploring various options to address the Maratha community’s demands while adhering to the legal framework. This includes seeking intervention from political leaders and exploring legislative or administrative measures to balance the reservation benefits.
The Other Backward Classes (OBC) community has raised objections to the Maratha reservation, fearing it would reduce their share of the existing reservation pie. The OBCs have a significant stake in the reservation system and are concerned that additional quotas for Marathas might encroach upon their opportunities.
OBC leaders contend that integrating Marathas into the current OBC reservation would diminish their representation and entitlements. They demand a fair and equitable distribution of reservations that does not undermine their community’s socio-economic progress.
In response to the Maratha quota discussions, OBC leaders have organized protests and agitations, demanding assurances from the government that their reservation status will not be adversely affected.
The Maratha quota and OBC protest issues have significant political implications. Political leaders and parties are navigating these complex dynamics to address the demands of both communities while maintaining social harmony and legal compliance. Recent meetings, such as the one between Chaggan Bhujbal and Sharad Pawar, highlight the ongoing efforts to find a resolution that balances the interests of all involved parties.
Link to the X account created in the name of Manoj Jarange which provides updates about the protest:
https://twitter.com/manojjarange?t=pkxicSQf4dI39eTS9st8rg&s=08
Bhujbal’s answer to the media:
Source: IndianExpress
Later, speaking to reporters, Bhujbal revealed that his meeting with Sharad Pawar lasted close to ninety minutes. Pawar promised to bring up the issue with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other leaders in the coming two days.
Chaggan Bhujbal, a prominent OBC leader associated with the opposing NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, visited former Union Minister Sharad Pawar at his residence ‘Silver Oak’ in Mumbai. This meeting followed Bhujbal’s indirect criticism of Sharad Pawar for the opposition’s absence from an all-party meeting on the Maratha quota issue, convened by CM Shinde on July 9.
Leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, opted not to attend the meeting, citing lack of consultation with the opposition regarding the Maratha reservation issue.
Bhujbal alleged that opposition leaders abstained from the July 9 meeting “following a phone call from Baramati at 5 pm.” Baramati Lok Sabha constituency in Pune district is the stronghold of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, aged 83.
Chaggan Bhujbal also recalled to Sharad Pawar his decision during his tenure as Maharashtra’s CM to implement the Mandal Commission’s recommendations, which provided reservations for OBCs in education and local government elections.
Chaggan Bhujbal remarked, “During Pawar’s tenure as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, he effectively addressed the concerns of the OBCs in the state. Now, the current situation necessitates his intervention once more. Pawar also mentioned to me that he needs a couple of days to recuperate as he is not feeling well.”
Views and statements from other sources and ministers:
Source: mymahanagar
Sources within the NCP indicated that Bhujbal may feel unheard within his party, despite being aligned with Ajit Pawar’s faction. They noted a sense of political isolation within his own party.
Reacting to Bhujbal’s meeting with Sharad Pawar, state minister and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar highlighted that in Maharashtra, it is customary for political leaders to engage in discussions regardless of their political affiliations. He underscored that it is unfair to scrutinize every interaction between leaders and jump to premature conclusions.
NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad remarked on Sharad Pawar’s openness to engaging with individuals holding diverse viewpoints, even those publicly at odds. He expressed indifference to the internal dynamics of Bhujbal’s party, stating that if Bhujbal sought a meeting with Pawar and it was granted, it should proceed accordingly.
