NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: Amid hectic political developments within the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government over the Maratha reservation demand and issuance of Kunbi-Maratha or Maratha-Kunbi certificates, veteran OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday demanded caste census in Maharashtra.
With a senior minister speaking against the developments, Bhujbal’s outburst against the government has compounded into a big issue and challenge before Shinde and the two Deputy Chief Ministers - Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
Bhujbal (76) is the state Food and Civil Supplies Minister and a senior leader from the NCP-faction led by Ajit Pawar. Besides, Bhujbal is also the President of Akhil Bharatiya Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad.
“We are not against Maratha reservation but we would not allow the OBC quota to be disturbed. it is time to speak out otherwise the OBC reservation would get affected. The OBC reservation is at threat,” Bhujbal told reporters.
“As politicians, you have to take everyone along,” he said.
Bhujbal would meet the NCP MLAs - Prakash Solanki and Sandeep Kshirsagar - whose houses were torched in Beed district.
“On one hand you tie the hand of police personnel while on another you issue Kunbi certificates,” he said.
“Do you no want the votes of OBC or not," he said.