In a significant development, various Other Backward Classes (OBC) organizations in Maharashtra have strongly voiced their opposition to a government resolution concerning the issuance of Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community. During a high-stakes meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday, October 4, 2025, these groups unequivocally demanded the immediate withdrawal of the controversial resolution.
The crucial discussions unfolded at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai.
The OBC representatives argued that the Government Resolution (GR), which was issued on September 2 following a five-day protest by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange at Azad Maidan, directly undermines the interests of their community. Furthermore, they urged the government to release a ‘white paper’ detailing all caste certificates and caste validity certificates issued across the state since 2014, seeking greater transparency.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who participated in the meeting, affirmed that the planned statewide OBC protest march on October 10 will proceed as scheduled, despite some elements within the ruling party reportedly advocating for its postponement.
Wadettiwar stated, “The government has failed to provide a positive response to our two primary demands: the withdrawal of the Government Resolution issued on September 2 and the publication of a white paper on caste certificate issuance since 2014. Therefore, the united OBC community’s protest march will indeed take place on October 10.”
In response, Chief Minister Fadnavis reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring justice for all communities within the existing legal framework. He firmly assured that no group, including the Other Backward Classes, would suffer any injustice.
Mr. Fadnavis emphasized that the state government has meticulously adhered to legal protocols for issuing caste certificates. He highlighted the establishment of a robust verification system and a dedicated lineage committee, designed to ensure that certificates are granted exclusively based on valid documents. This, he explained, should alleviate any concerns that certificates might be issued merely on the basis of marriage or sworn affidavits.
The Chief Minister further mentioned that ₹1,500 crore has been allocated to MahaJyoti this month, and 63 hostels have been established for OBC students across the state. He also pledged to extend all schemes under the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation to other backward sections, underscoring the government’s efforts to support these communities.
He concluded by noting the formation of an independent OBC Cabinet Sub-Committee, empowered to oversee all state schemes. Additionally, several corporations have been established for various sub-castes within the OBC category, with necessary capital allocated to them.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde affirmed that providing quotas for one community would not encroach upon the rights of others.
He warned that all decisions would strictly adhere to the law, and presenting false documents would lead to legal repercussions.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar underscored the government’s primary objective: to ensure that no community in the state experiences injustice.
Pawar highlighted that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes continue to face social disadvantages, and both state and Union governments are actively implementing schemes for their advancement, all while striving to guarantee equal opportunities for other communities.
The high-level meeting saw the attendance of several key figures, including ministers Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Chhagan Bhujbal, Pankaja Munde, Atul Save, various Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, and senior officials from the Social Justice and Backward Welfare Departments.