Maharashtra: Govt likely to issue fresh circular giving individual eligible Marathas Kunbi status

A member in the sub-committee said, “Any decision which will be taken by the state government will have to withstand legal validity. Therefore, the options are limited. What is possible and is under serious consideration is the state government will issue a fresh GR citing individual Marathas who can provide documents to establish their Kunbi credentials to be considered for certificates to avail reservation under OBC.”

However, Jarange Patil’s demand for declaring all Marathas as Kunbi under Hyderabad and Satara gazettes is being ruled out at the moment. The reason cited is any such order by the state government would be challenged in the Supreme Court. And this would adversely impact the entire process of Maratha getting Kunbi certificates.

BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the cabinet sub-committee, said, “Our process is underway. As the Advocate General was busy with court issues responding to petitions on hardships to Mumbaikars because of the protests, our discussions will continue on Tuesday. We will have to look at all aspects including legal to ensure the decision is not subjected to legal challenge,” he said.

In Monday’s meeting, Fadnavis dwelt on all possibilities. Jarange Patil’s demand was discussed in detail.

The state government seems to be exercising caution relying on courts for directions. Thus, finding a viable way out to break the stalemate is by working within the legal framework.

Jarange Patil has expressed disappointment with the government for not conceding his demands for giving Marathas reservation within the OBC quota. He has repeatedly maintained, “I will not withdraw my protest until the government accepts the demand for Maratha reservation within OBC.”

Citing the previous apex court order, a senior minister who is part of the panel said, “Both his demands for Maratha quota within OBC and ‘sage soyre’ will not withstand legal scrutiny. Kunbi certificates cannot be issued based on the Maratha community. Similarly, there are some technicalities regarding ‘sage soyre’. It means if an individual Maratha is eligible for Kunbi status, it should be extended to all his blood relatives too.”

Responding to the deadlock, Fadnavis told mediapersons in Pune, “We have always maintained solutions can be arrived at through discussions. The problem is with whom should we discuss. If they (Jarange Patil) send a delegation we can have a dialogue. It cannot be held over mike. Yet, whatever information was conveyed to us through them is being seriously looked into.”

The stalemate has resulted from Jarange Patil’s decision to reject 10 per cent reservation to Marathas in government jobs and education. Jarange Patil believes Maratha quota within OBC would be lasting and more beneficial for the empowerment of the community.

In February 2025 the state government led by then CM Eknath Shinde had given a 10 per cent quota to Marathas under SEBC during a special session held at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. The reservation before the court has not been stayed till now.