OBC Vs Maratha Clash in Maharashtra: BJP Leader Alleges 'Those Who Banned Dalits wants Reservation'

Mumbai: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC and prominent OBC leader, Gopichand Padalkar, has engaged in a verbal spat with Manoj Jarange Patil, labeling him a ‘Political puppet’.

The heated exchange occurred after Jarange Patil set a deadline for the Mahayuti Government to address Maratha reservation concerns, threatening that Marathas across Maharashtra would enter Mumbai if, the demands are not met.

In response, OBC leaders from various parties have united against the demands of Manoj Jarange Patil, expressing concerns that granting reservations to Marathas by allocating Kunbi certificates could potentially undermine the rights and reservations of existing OBC beneficiaries.

A Massive Rally was called by OBC Community in Maharashtra's Pandharpur in Solapur District of Maharashtra. In this rally all OBC leaders including Chaggan Bhujbal and Prakash Shendge and other prominent faces of OBC Community were present.

The BJP Leader Gopichand Padalkar said “Puppets are spreading wrong information that Vanjara Community and Dhangar has nothing to do with OBC reservation.” He further clarified, “Both communities fall under Nomadic Tribes (NT) but currently enjoy OBC reservations in central government jobs, education, and local self-government bodies.”

He also emphasized that Maratha reservations would not encroach upon the reservations of these communities.

Those who banned Dalits are seeking Reservation

In a strong statement, Padalkar criticized those, attempting to encroach on OBC reservations, highlighting historical discrimination against Dalits and OBCs. He urged unity between the OBC and Dalit communities in their struggle for rights, invoking the teachings of Dr. Ambedkar. "You forbid admission into villages, shun Dalits and OBCs, and now you're attempting to encroach on our reservation. This is merely an infringement upon the Dr. Ambedkar's written Constitution." he asserted.

Padalkar further told said, "Dr. Ambedkar was the first user of the term "OBC." He called on the OBC community and the Dalit community to unite in the struggle for their rights.

CM Should Follow Raj Dharma

Padalkar reminded Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde that he should follow Raj Dharma and said "When our OBC community is not getting enough on their plate, the attempts are being made by some to snatch it. I want to remind the Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde not to play the role of ‘Kaikai’ from Ramayana and send us to exile. Instead, kindly follow the ‘Raj Dharma"

Ajit Pawar Warns Jarange Patil

Amid the war of words between both the communities, the Maharashtra DCM Ajit Pawar warned Jarange Patil without naming him and said "Some people” had indicated that they would take extreme steps after coming to Mumbai. The country is still following the principles laid down by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in the constitution. If someone is trying to create law-and-order situation, it will not be tolerated. No one is above the law."

While expressing support for Maratha reservations, he acknowledged the challenge posed by the existing 62% reservation quota in the state and advocated for exploring new legal avenues to provide additional reservation.