Maratha reservation: OBC leaders protest, Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal under fire | 5 things to know

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PTI reported. In view of the protest by the OBC communities, the Maharashtra government is unlikely to opt for Maratha reservation within the OBC category based on Kunbi certificates across the state, the Indian Express reported on Monday. Now, as the demonstration over the Maratha reservation gained momentum in Maharashtra, here's a recap of all that happened in the state in connection with the row recently: Speaking at the rally, Bhujbal reiterated that the existing reservation for the OBCs should not be curtailed while giving reservation to the Marathas.

"We do not oppose Maratha reservation, but there should be no encroachment on the OBC quota," he said. ALSO READ: Maratha reservation: Protests over quota intensify; CM calls all-party meet; internet suspended and more. 10 Points Bhujbal also questioned how suddenly records showing Maratha families as belonging to the Kunbi caste, an OBC community, were being discovered.

"Initially 5,000 records were found in Marathwada which was part of the Nizam's Hyderabad state (before 1948). Later the number went up to 13,500....Even when there were elections in Telangana, the number went up," he added. Bhujbal further demanded an "immediate" caste census.

Although several OBC leaders from different political parties joined the protest rally, a statement by Chhagan Bhujbal's didn't go down well with some of them. According to an Indian Express report, Chhagan Bhujbal challenged the Marathas and asked those belonging to the OBC category to "reply to them in the same coin". He was quoted as saying, "I have been getting messages that our banners are being torn.