Overview

• The state’s GR using Hyderabad Gazette records to grant Marathas Kunbi/OBC certificates is at the heart of the dispute, with critics warning it could erode SC, ST and existing OBC reservations.
• Pawar told party workers the government is widening community divides and urged a political pushback to safeguard social harmony.
• He faulted cabinet sub-committees on Maratha and OBC issues for being composed only of ministers from those communities and called for mixed representation.
• Several OBC, Adivasi and Banjara groups have warned of protests seeking withdrawal of the GR issued after Manoj Jarange Patil’s agitation.
• Fadnavis dismissed Pawar’s allegation, as OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal continued a hard line against allowing Marathas into the OBC category through Kunbi certificates.