OBC Community Protests Against Maratha Reservation from OBC Quota

Strategic Insights -

Four OBC (Other Backward Classes) members launched an indefinite hunger strike in Jalna's Antarwali Sarati village, demanding protection of their 27% quota. The protest has garnered support from prominent OBC politicians, including NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Sakal OBC Samaj activist Vitthal Talekar. The movement aims to safeguard OBC rights and prevent any attempts at diluting their quota.

Key Takeaways:

  • Four OBC members, including Shrihari Nirmal, Balasaheb Dakhne, Prakash Dilwale, and Babasaheb Batude, are on an indefinite hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati village, demanding protection of their 27% quota.
  • NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal has warned that OBCs will hit the streets and move court if Marathas are given reservation from the OBC quota.
  • The OBC community fears that if Marathas are included in the OBC quota, it will reduce their opportunities and dilute their share of reservation.
  • The agitation will travel across the state, with plans to hold protests at tehsil and collector offices, culminating in a massive gathering in Mumbai if the government makes any move to give reservation to Marathas from the OBC quota.
  • BJP functionary Asaram Dongre has supported the hunger strike, stating that OBCs will not tolerate any attempt at their quota being chipped at.
  • In Nagpur, a chain hunger strike by Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh has entered its third day, with Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar meeting protesters and assuring them that their reservation will not be touched.
  • NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule has criticized the Maharashtra government for not proactively intervening in the Maratha quota issue, despite knowing that it would escalate to this level.

Statistics:

  • 27%: The percentage of quota reserved for the OBC community.
  • 4: The number of OBC members on indefinite hunger strike in Jalna's Antarwali Sarati village.
  • 3: The number of days a chain hunger strike by Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh has been ongoing in Nagpur.
  • 250: The number of MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly from the Mahayuti coalition.

Sources:

  • "Four OBC members launch indefinite hunger strike in Jalna's Antarwali Sarati village," The Times of India, dated not provided.
  • "OBCs to hit the streets, move court if Marathas given reservation from OBC quota," The Times of India, dated not provided.
  • "NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule criticizes Maharashtra government for not proactively intervening in Maratha quota issue," The Times of India, dated not provided.