Maratha Stir Still On, Leaders Want Changes in GR

Hours after the Maharashtra government's GR on issuing 'Kunbi Caste' certificates to Marathas from the Marathwada region - who possess revenue or education documents from the Nizam-era, the protesters on Thursday decided to continue their agitation.

Maratha leader Manoj Jarange-Patil, on an indefinite hunger strike for the past 10 days, has suggested certain changes in the Government Resolution, published this afternoon.

As per the new GR, Kunbi caste certificates to the Marathas - who were recognised as Kunbis (OBC) Marathas earlier, will entitle them to quota benefits under the OBC category.

"The government is committed on giving reservations to the Maratha community. While doing that, we will not do injustice to any other community,” Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said in Mumbai.

However, some political leaders in the state are reportedly against the move, even as it raises hopes of ending the pro-quotas stir continuing from August 29.

The Marathas comprise nearly 33 per cent of the total 12 crore population of Maharashtra. From the total 52 per cent reservations in the state, SCs and STs account for 13 and 7 per cent, respectively, while the OBCs get 19 per cent, and VJNT, Special Backward Class and Nomadic Tribes account for the remaining 13 per cent.

The Marathas are a politically dominant community and since the formation of Maharashtra state in 1960, 12 out of 20 CMs were Marathas, regarded as an erstwhile warrior clan.