CM Shinde may have succeeded in convincing Marathas to withdraw their agitation, but his own cabinet minister and OBC leader Chaggan Bhujbal was the first to object to the government’s nod to reservation for the community in education and jobs. Minister Bhujbal, who is a key leader of the Ajit Pawar NCP faction, expressed anger and termed the draft notification about Kunbi certificates an eye wash. He asked what the consequences may be if the Dalit and Adivasi communities make similar demands.

In a post on X he wrote, “Bowing to pressure from the Maratha community, the government today announced some illegal and unfair decisions on OBCs. Even if the government succumbs to the pressure, we will not remain silent.” Devendra Fadnavis said in response, “I would like to reassure Bhujbal and OBC leaders not to worry. The government has not allowed the issuance of Kunbi certificates to non-Kunbi Marathas.”