Maratha Quota: Vijay Wadettiwar Criticizes Maharashtra GR Over OBC Impact

Swift Summary

• Maharashtra Maratha Quota Controversy:

– Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the Maharashtra Government Resolution (GR) on September 2, 2025, regarding Maratha quota.
– The GR allows eligible members of the Maratha community to apply for Kunbi caste certificates per the Hyderabad gazetteer, leading to tensions between OBC and Maratha communities.

• OBC Concerns:

– OBC groups fear inclusion of marathas in their category will harm existing reservations.
– Wadettiwar accused Minister Chhagan Bhujbal of hypocrisy in his stance over this issue and demanded clarity.

• Political Fallout:

– Conflict reignited between communities, especially in the Marathwada region.- Criticism was also directed at BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar for alleged derogatory remarks against NCP(SP) leader Jayant Patil’s family.

• Activist Manoj Jarange:

– The GR was prompted by Jarange’s hunger strike demanding quotas for Marathas, which has ended following assurances.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The recent developments surrounding maharashtra’s Government Resolution on granting Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community underscore deep-rooted societal complexities tied to reservation politics. While addressing longstanding demands from sections within the state’s dominant political and social bloc (Marathas), this proposal risks alienating Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who see it as encroachment upon hard-won quotas aimed at ensuring representation. Such unrest could have ripple effects across Maharashtra as communal divisions intensify.

Statements by leaders such as Vijay Wadettiwar point out concerns about governance relying heavily on identity politics rather than cohesive development agendas. This situation demands transparent dialog with all stakeholders-both those advocating for scheduled benefits and communities fearing erosion of existing privileges-to prevent further deterioration into mistrust or unrest. For now, balanced handling by policymakers remains crucial to maintaining stability amidst sensitive regional dynamics.

Read more: the Hindu