OBC Vs Maratha: Fadnavis Govt Faces Internal Unrest Over Reservations

The three-party Maharashtra government led by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is facing internal unrest over the Maratha reservation quota acrimony. Ever since a government resolution (GR) containing some assurances to Maratha agitation proponent Manoj Jarange Patil has been issued, the state is in turmoil since the sizable OBC communities have joined hands to rise against this decision. Veteran minister Chhagan Bhujbal has come out openly against the GR, warning of an OBC protest on the lines of the Maratha protest that had paralysed Mumbai. The situation turned grave on Friday as an OBC protester took his own life in Latur in Marathwada. Bhujbal and former minister Dhananjay Munde rushed to the bereaved family to console them. Bhujbal literally broke down, which was unlike his steely demeanour. The onlookers were speechless seeing his tears. The youth, Bharat Mahadeo Karad, committed suicide by jumping in the Manjara river. Bhujbal cancelled his scheduled tour to reach the family. Besides Bhujbal, senior minister Pankaja Munde, too, has demanded that the OBC reservation quota should not be touched. Fadnavis has time and again declared that it will not happen, but inflamed passions continue to erupt. On the other hand, Jarange has warned the government that he can launch another protest action if the assurances are not fulfilled by it. At the moment, it appears that neither side is ready to relent, indicating a protracted legal and political conflict over the thorny issue of reservations.