VBA Chief Ambedkar Warns of Nizami Maratha Quota Grab

VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar claims Nizami Marathas are attempting to seize the OBC quota in Maharashtra. He urged OBCs to counteract such efforts in the upcoming assembly elections. Criticism was directed at activist Manoj Jarange for demanding Maratha reservations, which OBC leaders oppose. The yatra concludes in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar has raised concerns over Nizami Marathas allegedly attempting to take over the reservation quota established for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Speaking at a public meeting in Jalna as part of his 'Aaraskshan Bachao Yatra', Ambedkar urged OBCs to resist these efforts in the forthcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

Ambedkar also criticized activist Manoj Jarange, who has been demanding that the Maratha community receive reservations in government jobs and education under the OBC category. Despite the state government's recent law granting a 10 percent quota to Marathas in a separate category, OBC leaders including cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal have objected to any dilution of the existing OBC quota.

The VBA yatra commenced on July 25 from Mumbai's Chaityabhoomi, the memorial of Ambedkar's grandfather Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and is set to conclude in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The rally saw support from OBC activist Navnath Waghmare, who criticized Jarange for disrespecting senior leaders and accused Maratha leaders of undermining the OBC community's rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)