Chandrashekhar Bawankule Elected as Chairman of OBC Subcommittee, Gives First Assurance on Protecting OBC Rights Amid Maratha Quota Talks

Chandrashekhar Bawankule appointed as chairman of OBC sub-committee, gives first assurance : After the decision taken by the state government on Maratha reservation, discontent had increased among the OBC community. According to the Hyderabad Gazette, the path was opened for eligible farmers to receive Kunbi, i.e., OBC certificates. However, the OBC community opposed the new government resolution and burned it in protest. Against this backdrop, the government established a separate cabinet sub-committee for OBCs. BJP state president and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has been appointed as the chairman of this committee.

This committee includes ministers like Chhagan Bhujbal, Pankaja Munde, and Sanjay Rathod. After accepting the chairmanship, Bawankule said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given constitutional status to the OBC Commission. This committee will monitor whether the schemes implemented for OBCs are functioning properly and whether funds are available. We will also work on finding solutions for those who do not receive caste certificates or face difficulties in caste verification.”

Bawankule accused the Congress, saying,

“The Congress has only made empty promises so far. But they have not conducted a caste-based census. Currently, there are 353 castes in the OBC community. Out of these, there is a census for 18 Pagad castes. The committee will decide what assistance can be provided by the government in this regard.”

He further said, “The government's stance is clear. Justice will not be denied to both the Maratha and OBC communities. No one's rights will be infringed upon. It is clearly stated in the recent GR that only those whose names are recorded in the gazette will receive certificates. Previously, due to neglected records, certificates were not issued. Now, however, if the father's record is available, the child's record will not be required. This was the main demand of the protesters, and the government has accepted it.”

When asked whether Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde provided support to the Maratha reservation movement, Bawankule said – “The grand alliance is strong. No matter how much Sanjay Raut speaks, the government is stable. Shinde Saheb has a significant role in keeping Fadnavis's government intact. They are firmly standing by to provide any assistance the government needs. Those who betrayed Fadnavis in 2019 should not speak against us.”

This committee includes ministers like Chhagan Bhujbal, Pankaja Munde, and Sanjay Rathod. After accepting the chairmanship, Bawankule said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given constitutional status to the OBC Commission. This committee will monitor whether the schemes implemented for OBCs are functioning properly and whether funds are available. We will also work on finding solutions for those who do not receive caste certificates or face difficulties in caste verification.”

Bawankule accused the Congress,

“The Congress has only made empty promises so far. But they have not conducted a caste-based census. Currently, there are 353 castes in the OBC community. Out of these, there is a census of 18 Pagad castes. The committee will decide what assistance can be provided by the government in this regard.”

He further said, “The government's stance is clear. Justice will not be denied to both the Maratha and OBC communities. No one's rights will be infringed upon. It is clearly stated in the recent GR that only those whose names are recorded in the gazette will receive certificates. Previously, due to overlooked records, certificates were not being issued. Now, if the father's record exists, the child's record will not be required. This was the main demand of the protesters, and the government has accepted it.”

When asked if Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde provided support to the Maratha reservation movement, Bawankule said, “The grand alliance is strong. No matter how much Sanjay Raut speaks, the government is stable. Shinde Saheb has a significant role in keeping Fadnavis's government intact. They are firmly standing by to provide any assistance the government needs. Those who betrayed Fadnavis in 2019 should not speak against us.”