Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the resignation of senior OBC leader and state cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal has not been accepted. Bhujbal, a member of the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP, had announced his resignation on November 16, accusing the Maharashtra government of facilitating the "backdoor entry" of the Maratha community into the quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Fadnavis, addressing reporters, mentioned that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde would provide clarification on the matter. He emphasized that as of now, Bhujbal's resignation has not been accepted by the chief minister or himself.
Bhujbal clarified that he is not against Marathas receiving reservation but is opposed to sharing the existing quota for OBCs. He raised concerns about the flawed process of gathering data to determine the Maratha community's backwardness through a survey conducted by the state backward classes commission.
While Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange accused Bhujbal of trying to "damage" Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis with his statements, Bhujbal reaffirmed his commitment to working for the welfare of OBCs and their rights.
The situation highlights internal dissent within the political landscape over the allocation of reservations and the complexities surrounding the implementation of quotas in the state.
(With Agency Inputs)
