During an interview in Delhi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Raosaheb Danve made statements that have sparked controversy and drawn criticism from the Other Backward Class (OBC) community in Maharashtra. Danve suggested that reclassifying Marathas as ‘kunbis’ could potentially resolve the ongoing reservation issue. However, this proposal has the potential to intensify tensions between the Marathas and the OBCs, a significant support base for the BJP.
Babanrao Tayade from the National OBC Federation opposed Danve’s suggestion, stating that the Maratha community does not meet the criteria set by the central government for OBC classification. Tayade also questioned why the Marathas were not included in the OBC category by various commissions, including the Mandal commission.
Given the sensitive nature of the reservation issue in India, Danve’s remarks may exacerbate existing tensions and deepen the divide between different caste groups in Maharashtra. It is crucial for political leaders to handle the situation with sensitivity and work toward finding a solution that addresses the concerns of all communities involved.
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