‘With kunbi certificates move, Shinde has emerged a stronger Maratha leader’: Prakash Ambedkar
Says the Maratha-kunbi who get reservation will switch to Shinde-led Sena and not BJP or NCP-led Ajit Pawar
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Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar (Photo: X/@Prksh_Ambedkar)With the new draft notification on kunbi certificates, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar has warned of a Maratha versus OBC polarisation in Maharashtra. In an interview with Shubhangi Khapre, Ambedkar said the move will also lead to differences between kunbi versus non-kunbi Marathas.
Q) How do you analyse the government’s decision to issue a draft notification that accepts blood relations of eligible Marathas for kunbi certificates?
The decision will have an impact on many political and social fronts. What’s clear through the notification is all blood relatives of Marathas with kunbi certificates will be considered. Issuing kunbi certificates to Marathas, subject to scrutiny, is a big step forward. It will allow them to avail reservation within the OBC quota. We can say CM Eknath Shinde has fulfilled Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s demand.
Q) Will that help reconcile the long-drawn bitterness between Marathas and government on reservation?
CM Eknath Shinde has played a master stroke. He has now emerged as a stronger Maratha leader. He has scored points against the Fadnavis-led BJP and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). He has made inroads with the community by conceding to Jarange Patil’s demands.
Q) A fallout has been the OBC protest against the draft notification.
It was expected. If kunbi certificates give Marathas access to OBC reservation, the differences between the two will widen. Reservation will adversely affect the socio-economic co-existence of these two communities.
Q) How will the Maratha – OBC polarisation play out in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls?
There will be a wedge between non-kunbi and kunbi Marathas. This will get all the more complicated as the matter will get challenged in courts by OBC organisations. There is a growing sense among OBCs of being let down by the ruling coalition and are putting the blame on BJP.
Q) Will it help Maha Vikas Aghadi?
There is no unanimity among constituents representing MVA. The Congress’s high-handedness is adversely affecting the opposition front. There was no concrete counter proposal against the ruling BJP on Maratha quota. The community will vote based on individual parties and candidates, or seek other alternatives during polls.
Q) You had expressed support to INDIA bloc and MVA.
Yes. The VBA believes it is ready to support secular parties who are ready to fight BJP/ RSS. Where is the consistency in INDIA and MVA? The Congress is not willing to accommodate regional parties. Rahul Gandhi has undertaken the Bharat Jodo Yatra and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has been entrusted with organisational charge. There are two strategies in Congress. It’s confusing.
Q) Are you still ready to join MVA?
We never said no. They have called for a meeting on January 30. The INDIA block is not heading as was expected. Let us hope MVA can retain it’s opposition bloc in Maharashtra.
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