Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has voiced strong opposition to accommodating the Maratha community within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota, amidst ongoing protests led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil demanding reservation for Marathas. Bhujbal, a senior leader from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a prominent figure in the OBC community, warned of widespread protests by OBCs if the government attempts to reduce their existing reservation to accommodate the Marathas.

Jarange Patil has been on a hunger strike since August 29, 2025, at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, demanding that Marathas be granted Kunbi status, which would allow them to access reservation benefits as Kunbis are already part of the OBC category. His protest has drawn significant support, with tens of thousands of people gathering in Mumbai. The Bombay High Court has expressed concerns that the protests have disrupted normal life in the city and has urged protesters to confine their demonstrations to Azad Maidan.

Bhujbal argues that including Marathas in the OBC quota would be unjust to existing backward communities. He pointed out that only 17% reservation is currently available for 374 communities within the state's OBC category. Bhujbal stated, "Marathas should not be included in OBCs, I request with folded hands". He has consistently opposed Jarange's demands, claiming that OBCs are already struggling to secure limited opportunities in government jobs and educational institutions, and further dilution of their share would be detrimental.

Bhujbal highlighted that Marathas already benefit from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota, with approximately eight percent of the EWS quota attributed to them. He has also questioned the demand to categorize Marathas and Kunbis as one community, citing that the court has already termed it as "foolish".

The Maharashtra government is under increasing pressure to find a resolution to the Maratha reservation issue. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has held high-level meetings with officials to discuss the matter and determine the legal validity of granting Kunbi status to Marathas from specific historical records. However, the government has also stated its commitment to upholding constitutional provisions.

Bhujbal has conveyed the concerns of OBC organizations to the Chief Minister, emphasizing that they will not allow their rights to be compromised. He has stated that OBCs have no objection if Marathas receive reservation without affecting the OBC quota.

The Maratha community's demand for reservation has a long history, but the current agitation gained momentum in September 2023. Manoj Jarange Patil has emerged as a prominent leader in the Maratha reservation movement, advocating for the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category.

The situation remains tense, with the potential for clashes between Maratha and OBC groups. The Bombay High Court has given an ultimatum to the Maratha quota protesters to vacate all areas in Mumbai except for Azad Maidan by Tuesday. The state government is expected to present its final proposal on Maratha reservation to Manoj Jarange Patil soon.