Chandrashekhar Bawankule Appeals for Social Harmony: "Don't Create OBC vs. Maratha Divide"

In a crucial appeal for social cohesion, Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule has issued a fervent plea to political parties and social activists, urging them to refrain from fostering a destructive divide between the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Maratha communities. His statement comes at a time of heightened tensions surrounding the Maratha reservation issue, which has seen sustained agitation and growing concerns among various social groups.

Addressing the press, Mr.

Bawankule unequivocally stated, "The BJP will not allow anyone to create an OBC vs. Maratha divide in society for political gain. We appeal to all to maintain peace and unity." This strong declaration underscores the party's commitment to preventing any social fragmentation that could arise from the complex reservation landscape in the state.

He emphasized that both communities are integral to Maharashtra's social fabric and have historically coexisted harmoniously.

The core of the current unrest stems from the Maratha community's demand for reservation, spearheaded by figures like Manoj Jarange-Patil, often seeking inclusion within the existing OBC quota.

This has naturally led to apprehension and protests from OBC leaders and organizations, who fear that their established share of reservations might be diluted or encroached upon. Mr. Bawankule, acutely aware of these sensitivities, offered firm reassurances to the OBC community, asserting that their reservation quota would remain untouched and protected.

"I want to assure the OBC community that the BJP, the state government, and especially the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, are committed to ensuring that not a single percentage of their reservation is affected," he declared.

He further elaborated that the government, under the leadership of CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, is diligently working towards finding a legal and constitutional solution to provide reservation to the Maratha community without impinging on the rights of the OBCs. This delicate balancing act involves exploring various legal avenues and scientific methodologies to ensure justice for both communities.

Bawankule cautioned against attempts by certain elements to exploit the situation for electoral advantage, warning that such actions could irrevocably damage the state's social harmony.

He reiterated that the government's priority is to unite communities, not divide them, and called for responsible discourse from all stakeholders. His message was clear: while the struggles of the Maratha community are acknowledged and being addressed, it must not come at the cost of alienating or harming the interests of the OBCs.

This critical intervention by the BJP President highlights the sensitive nature of caste-based reservations in India and the constant need for political leadership to foster unity rather than division.

By reassuring both sides and calling for collective responsibility, Bawankule aims to de-escalate tensions and guide the conversation towards a constructive resolution that upholds the principles of social justice for all sections of society in Maharashtra.