Will legally challenge 1994 GR that granted quota to OBCs if they interfere with Marathas: Manoj Jarange Patil

The demand comes amid a series of meetings by OBC leaders, including minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who has been a key advocate for OBC reservations since the 1990s and has opposed extending the OBC quota to Marathas. The 1994 GR, issued by the state government, laid down guidelines for OBC reservation in government jobs and public services, following recommendations of the Mandal Commission.

“If the government listens to certain pressures (from OBC leaders and Bhujbal) and if anything goes wrong, we will challenge the 1994 GR in court that gave our reservation to others. We will not spare anyone then. We will ensure that the 1994 GR is also withdrawn,” Jarange Patil said in an indirect warning to OBC leaders.

Bhujbal has threatened to challenge before the court the new GR that implements the Hyderabad Gazetteer to give Kunbi status to Marathas of Marathwada.

‘Process should start before September 17’

Jarange Patil, who recently ended his five-day fast in Mumbai and has been undergoing treatment at a hospital, also stated that the government must direct taluka-level offices to start issuing Kunbi certificates immediately.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “September 17 is Marathwada Liberation Day. Before that, the government must start issuing Kunbi certificates to Marathas in Marathwada based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer. We have appreciated your efforts so far, but we should not be made to feel that this is just a show of goodwill. I request the government to ensure that this process starts before September 17, and there should be no changes in it.”

Emphasising local-level urgency, he added, “If you are serious, provide manpower. The three-member committees at the village level should be set to work immediately. The issuing of Kunbi certificates to Marathas, based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer and wherever Hyderabad State records exist, must start. Otherwise, I will be forced to take a major decision again.”

Jarange Patil also warned against political interference: “When the time comes, political leaders will not be allowed to enter our villages or homes. No one should create pressure or question why the GR was issued. The government must ensure that no harm comes to us because of anyone else’s actions. This is not a threat.”

Reflecting on the GR’s impact, Jarange said, “The GR was issued by us and the children of the poor based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer, and half of Maharashtra has reacted strongly. Some scholars are also upset. Some of our opponents are so disturbed that they cannot sleep. The GR was issued with such strength that Marathwada will get 100 per cent reservation.”

Be patient, Jarange Patil advises Marathas

Urging the Maratha community to remain patient, he said, “My advice to Marathas is that victory and defeat should both be accepted gracefully. We are happy, but let us first ensure that we get full reservations based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer and the Satara Gazetteer for Western Maharashtra. Some people are disturbed, so I request Maharashtra’s Maratha community to remain calm.”

Issuing a direct warning to the government, he said, “If the Gazetteer is not implemented urgently, we will have to announce our position against the government at the upcoming Dussehra gatherings.”

Despite the opposition, Jarange Patil reiterated that Marathwada could achieve 100 per cent reservation for Marathas if the GR is implemented efficiently.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde clarified to OBCs that the new GR will not affect their quota. On Sunday, Fadnavis said the government “will not let any harm come to OBCs” and described OBC development as a “Shiv karya”, a righteous and socially beneficial task.