OBC Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Shendge raises doubts over Maratha reservation withstanding legal test. In an interview to Shubhangi Khapre, he says backdoor entry of Marathas within OBC category cannot be ruled out Q) What is your response to government's decision to give 10 per cent reservation to Marathas? A) We have no objection to Marathas getting 10 per cent separate reservation. But the question is: Will this reservation withstand legal test? We have doubts. In 2018, the Devendra Fadnavis-led government had given reservation to Marathas and it was scrapped by the Supreme Court. So, how is this reservation different? Q) The CM has assured that all lacuna are addressed and it will be long-lasting? A) If the state government is serious, they will have to ensure that the Parliament raises the reservation ceiling from 52 to 62 per cent. The state government is not empowered to raise the quota limit. It comes under the Centre's jurisdiction. Now, in the absence of Constitutional validity, how will this reservation get the approval of the Supreme Court? Q) In any case, it is an altogether separate quota. Why should OBCs worry? A) Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission has stated that Marathas are a backward class. Based on that report, the state government has given reservation. Now, our apprehension is that if the separate quota is rejected based on backward class tag, they will press for reservation under OBC category. Also, there are reasons to doubt the government's intent as it has kept several questions unanswered. The sword of uncertainty is looming large on OBCs as the larger ploy is to bring Marathas under OBC category. Q) Can you elaborate? A) On the one hand, they announced 10 per cent quota to Marathas. Secondly, they have also retained draft notification allowing Kunbi Marathas to avail OBC quota. It means Marathas have three options. They can take advantage of separate quota (if it goes unchallenged), draft notification and the Economically Weaker Section. Q) What are OBCs’ plans? A) We are seriously looking at challenging the decision in courts. We want the government to come out with clarifications on critical aspects. They should explain things clearly. They cannot take OBCs for granted. Even the Kunbi Marathas are now consolidating to oppose entry of Marathas into OBC category using the draft notification which allows sage soyare (blood relations). Q) Will the decision have any impact in Lok Sabha polls? A) There is a growing perception among the OBCs that the government is favouring Marathas. Their concern is to please Marathas. They are ignoring and taking the OBCs for granted. We have formed a separate party, OBC Bahujan Mahasangh. We will consolidate OBCs and urge people to boycott Maratha candidates contesting polls.
