Maharashtra BJP Chief Challenges Opposition to Reduce OBC Quota for Maratha Reservations

Mr. Bawankule, in a press conference, reiterated his call for the MVA to make a written assurance in its assembly election manifesto to provide reservations for the Maratha community by reducing the OBC quota. He challenged the MVA’s 31 MPs to announce the reduction of the OBC reservation and give it to the Maratha community, expressing skepticism about the leaders’ integrity. He emphasized the importance of the Maratha community receiving reservation but also noted the BJP’s stance that it should not come at the expense of OBCs. Mr. Bawankule also highlighted the previous actions and positions of key political figures including Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray on this issue.

Days after the MVA did not attend an all-party meeting on the reservation stalemate, Mr. Bawankule criticized the government, claiming that a vote for MVA candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections would harm the people of the state. He accused the MVA of seeking to disrupt public welfare schemes and not allowing the state’s residents to benefit from these initiatives, stating that the MVA government would abolish various welfare schemes announced by the state and central governments. The Opposition defended its non-participation in the all-party meeting, pointing to separate meetings held by CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis with Maratha and OBC leaders without their involvement. The story concludes with a note that it has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.