MUMBAI/NASHIK: Dissenting voices have emerged within Maharashtra government as well as BJP over the draft notification giving a blanket
Kunbi
certificate to
Maratha
community to claim reservation in education and jobs.
Union minister
Narayan Rane
on Sunday issued a statement saying he was not in favour of the decision "as it overlooks the historical status of the Marathas and actually devalues their status, it also encroaches upon OBC and could lead to unrest in society." Rane said.
OBC leader from BJP
Pankaja Munde
, while congratulating the Marathas, demanded a white paper on Kunbi certificates issued in the last 10 years. "Today, the impression is that it is the victory of the Maratha reservation movement. I congratulate Jarange and others but the notification... calls for objections/suggestions till Feb 16. Until then, the procedure is not completed...I have been saying the Marathas must get a reservation that will stand for which my best wishes are with them."
Pointing out that Kunbi certificates have been obtained by people in eastern Vidarbha and western Maharashtra, and not those in Marathwada, she said: "Had they also taken it, this situation would not have arisen today. They need these certificates for future generations and this is a blow to OBCs. The bitterness between the two communities must be brought to an end."
Political observer
Abhay Deshpande
said Rane had taken a similar stance two months ago. "Under the Constitution, Maharashtra government could not have given anything more. With this draft notification it has made the process for obtaining a Kunbi certificate easy. Also, it is election season, so the aggression being projected by political leaders representing the two communities is only to consolidate their vote bases."
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