Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday clarified concerns regarding the recently issued Hyderabad Gazette notification, assuring that the move will not affect the OBC community’s reservation rights.
Speaking to reporters, Shinde emphasized that the Gazette will serve as a mechanism for those possessing Kunbi certificates or documents issued before 1967. “Whoever has any certificate or document of Kunbi before 1967, on the basis of that, they will demand in future, they will get the OBC certificate,” he said.
The clarification comes in the backdrop of protests and concerns expressed by certain OBC leaders, including senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who raised apprehensions over the government’s decision. Shinde, however, reassured that the Gazette does not dilute or hinder existing OBC reservations in any manner.
“We will explain to Chhagan Bhujbal. It does not affect the OBC community at all, does not harm them,” he asserted, urging communities to remain united.
The Maharashtra government has been grappling with the Maratha reservation issue, with the Hyderabad Gazette being introduced to extend OBC category benefits to members of the Maratha community who can prove Kunbi lineage. Shinde reiterated the government’s stand that its decisions are taken within the legal framework and will safeguard the interests of all communities.
