Nagpur: MPCC president Nana Patole on Friday said the BJP is deliberately causing a confrontation between the Marathas and OBCs and the party is also behind cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbals stand against Marathas. Speaking to the media at his residence here, Patole said CM Eknath Shinde government is misleading both the communities on the issue of reservation. Patol also asked the BJP why it was not providing gas cylinders for ₹450 in Maharashtra, like the poll plank adopted by the party for Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh assembly elections.Terming Patoles comments on the reservation issue as baseless allegations, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said no political party is behind the Maratha agitation. It is a social movement in which people are supporting one man (Manoj Jarange) in a big way, he said.The activists have refused to listen to any political outfit. It is wrong on Patoles part to blame any political party, as the protests havent benefitted anyone. When one community (Marathas) demands reservation from the quota of others (OBCs), there is bound to be protest. This flare up between two communities was not due to any political party, he told TOI.Calling Patoles allegations as unfortunate, Bawankule said no one should do politics on such a sensitive issue. None of the parties would support any confrontation between these two communities, he said.While calling on the government to resolve the issue, Patole asked BJP to fulfil promises made to the Marathas and Dhangars on granting reservation. The state is grappling with unemployment, inflation and farm crisis, but the government is not paying any attention. Instead, it is diverting the focus to the fight for reservation. BJP is an anti-reservation party and the Prime Minister is trying to end reservation by terming poverty as a caste.Explaining the position of Congress on reservation, the Sakoli MLA said caste-wise census can solve the vexed issues for all communities, including Marathas, OBCs, Dhangars and others. Our national president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi have already made it clear that they would conduct caste-wise census across India, if voted to power in 2024 general polls.Replying to a query on Gandhi indirectly calling PM Narendra Modi a panauti (bad omen), Patole said it was not meant for the PM. The word is trending on social media and BJP thought it was meant for them, he said.We also published the following articles recentlyBhujbal slams Rohit for remarks against him on OBC reservationChhagan Bhujbal criticizes Rohit Pawar, accusing him of alleging that Bhujbals actions on the OBC reservation issue are being influenced by the BJP. Bhujbal asserts that his speeches on OBC issues are based on the teachings of Shahu Maharaj, Phule, and Ambedkar, and reminds Rohit of the Mandal Commissions recommendations. Bhujbal reassures that he will stand firm on OBC issues and seeks assurances from Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis regarding the eligibility of Marathas for Kunbi certificates. He clarifies that his intentions are to protect the interests of the OBC community and not create a divide between Marathas and OBCs.BJP: Kharge claim on stealthy OBC tag for Modi caste baselessCongress faces backlash after AICC president insinuates PM Modis caste inclusion in OBC list. Gujarat MLA Purnesh Modi criticizes Kharges baseless and derogatory remark about the Modi community. The government resolution from 1994 and the July 25, 1994 notification by the Congress government prove the inclusion of the Modi community in the OBC list. Congress accuses PM Modi of favoring the Ghanchi-Teli caste while advocating for a caste survey. Gujarats history of OBC list revision and inclusion of various castes is explained, debunking Kharges allegations.Maratha quota protests: Shiv Sena (UBT) delegation meets President Droupadi MurmuShiv Sena (UBT) delegation, led by MP Sanjay Raut, met President Droupadi Murmu to discuss the ongoing protests over reservations for the Maratha and Dhangar communities. They requested the President to direct the center to amend the constitution in the upcoming winter session of Parliament or by calling a special session to increase the reservation beyond the current 50% cap. Raut emphasized that the issue cannot be resolved by the state government alone and it is up to the center to find a solution. President Murmu assured them that she will look into the matter, understanding the importance of reservation and economic backwardness.

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