Prakash Ambedkar Opposes Maratha Reservation from OBC Quota
Prakash Ambedkar, the chief of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), has voiced strong opposition to the demand for granting Marathas reservation from the OBC (Other Backward Classes) quota. He criticized political parties for not clearly stating their positions on the issue and expressed concern over the potential impact on OBC communities.
Ambedkar recalled a question he raised during a yatra, seeking clarity on political parties’ stance regarding the demand by Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil. Patil has been advocating for the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category to avail of reservation benefits.
Ambedkar said, “When we had taken out the Yatra, we had asked a question – Jarange Patil demanded that the Maratha community should be granted reservation from OBC. So, political parties should make their stand on this clear. They did not clear their stand. CM called a meeting, but the stand was not cleared.”
He highlighted that senior leaders, including NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, have expressed support for Jarange Patil’s demand. “Sharad Pawar gave a statement in Ratnagiri and supported Jarange Patil’s demand. He has also said that smaller communities will also have to be included carefully. Uddhav Thackeray too took the same stand,” Ambedkar added.
Ambedkar warned that the OBC community now lacks any leadership or political party willing to protect their rights, except for the VBA. “So, now I think OBC has no leader or party standing for them, except us, to fight to secure their reservation. The OBC organisations are asking us to fight this,” he said.
Reiterating his support for OBCs, Ambedkar added, “We stand with the OBC, their reservation should stay with them. Marathas should not be included in the OBC reservation. We also oppose the 55 lakh certificates that have been distributed by the government.”
Ambedkar urged the government to address the Maratha community’s demands separately without infringing on OBC rights. He said, “If the government wants to give reservation to anyone else, then it is between the government and them, but Marathas should not get reservation from the OBC quota.”
Doubts Revealed
Prakash Ambedkar -: Prakash Ambedkar is a politician in India and the grandson of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was a key figure in writing India’s Constitution.
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) -: Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) is a political party in India that focuses on the rights and issues of marginalized communities.
Maratha reservation -: Maratha reservation refers to the demand for special seats or benefits for the Maratha community in education and jobs.
OBC quota -: OBC quota is a reserved percentage of seats or benefits for Other Backward Classes, which are communities that need extra help to get equal opportunities.
Sharad Pawar -: Sharad Pawar is a senior Indian politician and the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Uddhav Thackeray -: Uddhav Thackeray is an Indian politician and the leader of the Shiv Sena party. He was also the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Manoj Jarange Patil -: Manoj Jarange Patil is a leader from the Maratha community who is advocating for Maratha reservation.
OBC communities -: OBC communities are groups of people in India who are considered socially and educationally disadvantaged and need extra support.
