Marathas want reservation under SEBC, not OBC category: BJP MP
Jalna, Oct 27 BJP MP Sambhaji Chhatrapati hassaid the Maratha community in Maharashtra wants reservationunder the Socially and Economically Backward Classes categoryand not under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Speaking at a meet on Maratha reservation in Jalnadistrict on Monday, the Rajya Sabha member said it is theresponsibility of the state government to defend the case inthe Supreme Court.
The SC last month stayed the implementation of 2018Maharashtra law granting reservation to Marathas in educationand jobs, but made it clear that the status of those who haveavailed of the benefits will not be disturbed.
The Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)Act, 2018 was enacted to grant reservation to people ofMaratha community in Maharashtra in jobs and admissions.
“The Maratha community wants reservation under theSEBC and not the OBC category,” said the BJP leader, who is adescendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
He asked state minister Ashok Chavan, who heads theMaharashtra cabinet sub-committee on Maratha quota, to preparewell to defend the case during hearing in the apex court.
He said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had establishedSwaraj which comprised all communities. Chahtrapati ShahuMaharaj carried forward his legacy and gave reservation to theOBCs, Dalits and even Marathas, he noted.
“Why the Maratha community is deprived of reservationtoday?” he asked.
After the Supreme Courts judgement last month, thestate government took several measures to give relief to theagitating Marathas, including giving the community membersbenefits meant for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
The state cabinet also decided to offer jobs in theMaharashtra State Road Transport Corporation to the heirs ofthose who lost lives during the Maratha quota protests.
The BJP MP also demanded that the Maharashtragovernment declare wet-drought in the stateand seek financialassistance from the Centre.
Earlier this month, heavy rains and floods claimed atleast 48 lives in Pune, Aurangabad and Konkan divisions, whilecrops on lakhs of hectares were damaged. PTI CORGK GK
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