Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday fired a sharp warning at minister Chhagan Bhujbal, saying that if he genuinely believes the state government has done injustice to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) through its Maratha quota decision, he should step down immediately to protect his self-respect and uphold moral responsibility.
Raut also took a veiled dig at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alleging that the ongoing Maratha quota protest was being orchestrated to create political hurdles for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The comments came after activist Manoj Jarange ended his five-day hunger strike in Mumbai on Tuesday following the government’s acceptance of most of his demands, including the issuance of Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates for eligible Marathas.
Speaking to the media, Raut questioned Bhujbal’s commitment to his community, stating, “If a leader truly represents a community and that community faces injustice, then the honorable step is to resign. Even C D Deshmukh resigned when he had differences with Nehru. Bhujbal is still working under a CM who has passed this order—if he feels this is wrong, resignation is the only path.”
Raut also highlighted Bhujbal’s absence from the recent cabinet meeting, interpreting it as a sign of distrust. “Boycotting a cabinet meeting shows you don’t trust the Chief Minister. In such a situation, submitting your resignation and clarifying your stance is the only honorable course,” he added.
Bhujbal, meanwhile, skipped the cabinet meeting on Wednesday and expressed displeasure over the government’s order granting Kunbi status to eligible Marathas, hinting at possible legal action.
On the Maratha quota issue, Jarange expressed optimism about his community receiving benefits following the government resolution on issuing Kunbi certificates.
Raut also accused elements within the state administration of attempting to prolong Jarange’s protest to destabilize the Fadnavis government. “Why was Shinde kept away? His name keeps surfacing in mobilizing protesters to Mumbai. It seems the primary intent was not to secure reservation but to create political challenges for CM Devendra Fadnavis,” Raut remarked.
