Maharashtra Minister and Other Backward Classes (OBC) leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday urged Maratha leaders to clarify their stance on reservation, alleging that the community is seeking reservation under the OBC category in addition to benefits already being availed of under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) categories.
Mr. Bhujbal was speaking to reporters in Wangdari village of Latur district after meeting the family members of Bharat Karad, a 35-year-old autorickshaw driver from the OBC community who allegedly ended his life by jumping into the Manjra river on Wednesday evening out of fear that the recent government resolution (GR) to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community would wipe out quota for OBCs.
According to the police, a note was found at the spot, which allegedly stated that he was ending his life so that his sacrifice ensures that his community gets justice. The police are still investigating the case.
The GR was issued on September 2 after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil staged a hunger strike in Mumbai for five days from August 29.
‘Issued under pressure’
