Hundreds of OBC activists marched through Nagpur on October 10, demanding that the Maharashtra government rescind its September 2 decision to grant Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, citing fears it will dilute OBC reservation rights.
Under the banner of Sakal OBC Maha Morcha, OBC organizations from across Maharashtra gathered in Nagpur.
The rally began at Yeshwant Stadium and proceeded to Samvidhan Square, spanning a 3 km route. According to a PTI report, demonstrators held placards and shouted slogans like “Mahayuti Sarkar can not take away (quota) rights (given to OBCs) under the Constitution and 'Ek Mission OBC Arakshan.”
Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, alongside OBC leaders Laxman Hake and Mahadev Jankar, participated in the morcha. They emphasized that while they support Maratha demands in principle, granting Kunbi certificates broadly to Marathas threatens to erode OBC communities’ share in education and jobs.
The September 2 Government Resolution (GR) allowed eligible Marathas who can prove OBC ancestry to apply for Kunbi certificates, opening a pathway to OBC quota benefits. This move, following months of agitation led by quota activist Manoj Jarange, alarmed many OBC groups who saw it as a backdoor entry undermining existing reservations, as per The Indian Express.
OBC leaders have already moved the Bombay High Court challenging the GR, arguing that it violates Articles 14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution by favoring one community over others.
The Maharashtra government, meanwhile, maintains that proper procedures were followed, and assurances have been offered that OBC quotas will not be compromised even as Maratha demands are addressed, says a Free Press Journal report.
As tensions rise, the October 10 protest in Nagpur, dubbed a “Yellow Storm” by OBC organizers, may become a crucible for broader political and social contestations over identity, quota rights, and caste accommodation in Maharashtra.
