# No cuts to OBC quota for Maratha reservation, everything within legal limits: Devendra Fadnavis > Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Maratha reservation will not come at the expense of the OBC community and every decision will remain strictly within constitutional bounds. **Type:** article · **Category:** Politics · **Published:** 2026-09-08 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/politics/obc-arakshana-men-sendha-nahin-lagegi-kanuni-dayare-men-hoga-maratha-kota-devendra-fadnavis-29550 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Maratha Reservation, Devendra Fadnavis, Manoj Jarange, OBC Quota, Maharashtra Politics, Kunbi Certificate, Antarwali Sarati Addressing reporters in Uran, Maharashtra, following the inauguration of the JNPT to New Umargam section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outlined the state administration stance on the ongoing Maratha reservation agitation. His remarks came as activist Manoj Jaranga entered the eleventh day of his fast on Tuesday, amid widespread media discussions regarding late night governmental meetings convened to deliberate on the unfolding crisis and the evolving demands raised by protesters. ## Strict Adherence to Constitutional Frameworks Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that any benefit extended to the Maratha community must strictly conform to constitutional parameters and withstand rigorous legal scrutiny. He cautioned against pursuing arbitrary solutions outside the legal framework that might fail judicial review. Reiterating the state governance position, he maintained that empowering the Marata population will not be pursued by undermining existing legal safeguards, ensuring that all actions remain aligned with judicial rulings and established statutory boundaries. ## Safeguarding Other Backward Classes Rights Addressing core concerns regarding the distribution of reservation benefits, the Chief Minister firmly stated that the state will not infringe upon the rights or quotas of the Other Backward Classes to accommodate Maratha demands. He assured the public that the administration will not appropriate provisions meant for one group to benefit another, thereby guaranteeing the complete protection of the existing OBC quota. He noted that previous measures enacted by the ruling coalition for Maratha welfare have delivered tangible advantages rather than remaining mere paperwork. ## Open Channels for Dialogue and Resolution Responding to queries concerning the continued protests and specific demands put forward by Manoj Jarangan Patil, Fadnavis reiterated that the doors for dialogue remain permanently open. He stated that if any misunderstandings, gaps, or doubts persist regarding governmental actions, the administration is fully prepared to sit down and resolve them through constructive discussion. He added that the ruling alliance has consistently addressed key community concerns and will continue taking necessary decisions as situations demand, driven by a spirit of mutual understanding. ## Core Demands and Background of the Agitation Activist Manoj Jarange launched his indefinite hunger strike on August 29 in Antarwali Sarati village located in the Jalna district. His primary demand centers on securing reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes category. Additional demands advanced during the protest include the implementation of historical Hyderabad and Satara gazette records, along with the issuance of official Kunbi caste certificates to eligible individuals belonging to the Maratha populace. ## The Kunbi Status and Counter-Agitations Kunbi represents a traditional agricultural community officially classified under the Other Backward Classes category, making its members eligible for quotas in public education and government employment. In response to the ongoing push to include Maratha applicants within this specific category, grassroots activists from the OBC communities have similarly launched local protests and demonstrations to protect their constitutional rights and secure their existing share of reservation benefits against potential dilution. ## What this means for you The ongoing reservation dispute carries direct implications for social stability, administrative planning, and public policy implementation across the region. - **Across India:** The unfolding legal and political debate sets a precedent for reservation-related demands and inter-community quota tensions in other states. Policymakers nationwide closely monitor judicial and legislative boundaries regarding caste-based classifications. - **In Maharashtra:** Students, job seekers, and local communities face uncertainty as the standoff affects government recruitment timelines, educational admissions, and public administrative policies across the state. ## Why this happened The persistent agitation surrounding Maratha reservation stems from decades of complex socio-economic demands and shifting legal interpretations regarding community classifications. - **Direct Trigger:** The prolonged fast and persistent mobilization led by activist Manoj Jarange have kept the reservation issue at the forefront of state politics. - **Historical Context:** Demands for utilizing historical Hyderabad and Satara gazette records along with issuing Kunbi certificates have intensified the debate over caste-based categorizations. - **Counter-Mobilization:** Apprehensions among existing Other Backward Classes groups that their rightful share of quotas might get diluted have triggered counter-protests to safeguard their constitutional protections. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. When and where did Manoj Jarange begin his hunger strike? Manoj Jarange started his indefinite hunger strike on August 29 in Antarwali Sarati village located in the Jalna district. ### 2. What was Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stance on the reservation demand? Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that while the government will act within constitutional limits, reservations will not be granted by cutting into the share of another community. ### 3. What specific document are the Maratha protesters demanding? Protesters are demanding the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community. ### 4. Which category does the Kunbi community belong to? The Kunbi community is officially classified under the Other Backward Classes category. ### 5. At which event did the Chief Minister make these remarks? The Chief Minister made these statements following the inauguration of the JNPT to New Umargam section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._