Nagpur is set to witness one of the largest public demonstrations in recent years, as various OBC (Other Backward Class) and Maratha-Kunbi organisations prepare to hold a massive rally on Friday. The protest, planned at Yashwant Stadium in the heart of the city, aims to send a clear message to the Maharashtra government: “Protect OBC rights and stop dilution of reservations.”
The movement, which has been gaining momentum across Vidarbha, comes in response to a recent government resolution that allows Maratha individuals to obtain Kunbi caste certificates — a move that OBC leaders claim threatens the existing quota system.
—
The Reason Behind the Protest
The spark for this agitation is a Government Resolution (GR) issued in early September, which permits members of the Maratha community to claim Kunbi identity for the purpose of reservation benefits. While the government insists that the policy ensures fairness, OBC leaders argue that the change opens the floodgates for widespread misuse.
According to community representatives, the removal of specific eligibility criteria in the GR means that individuals who were never officially recognised as Kunbi could now claim that identity. This, they say, will unfairly reduce opportunities for genuine OBC beneficiaries in education, employment, and government recruitment.
The rally, therefore, is not merely about paperwork or certificates — it’s about preserving the constitutional promise of social justice.
—
Demands of the Protesters
The organisers of the rally, representing various OBC and Kunbi associations across Vidarbha, have outlined a series of clear and non-negotiable demands:
1. Immediate withdrawal of the September 2 government resolution.
2. Fair verification of all Kunbi caste certificates issued since 2014.
3. Transparency and accountability, including a white paper on the number of certificates issued and the process followed.
4. Protection of the existing OBC quota, ensuring that benefits are not diluted.
5. Government assurance in writing that future policy changes will involve consultations with OBC representatives.
These demands, leaders insist, are not anti-Maratha — rather, they are pro-justice and pro-constitution.
—
Rally Details and Participation
The rally is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants from Nagpur and nearby districts such as Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal, Gondia, and Chandrapur. Organisers have coordinated logistics for travel, safety, and crowd management to ensure a peaceful and disciplined demonstration.
The procession will begin at Yashwant Stadium, proceed through major city routes, and culminate at Samvidhan Chowk, a symbolic location that represents the constitutional rights of all citizens.
Police authorities are on alert, with traffic diversions and security measures already in place. The organisers have repeatedly appealed for calm, stressing that the protest is non-political and peaceful, meant only to voice collective concern over policy injustice.
—
Voices from the Community
OBC leaders from across Vidarbha have spoken passionately about the issue. They argue that years of progress and struggle are at risk if reservation boundaries are blurred.
Community representatives emphasize that while they respect the Maratha community’s aspirations, inclusion under the OBC category without strict verification could destroy the balance achieved through decades of social reform.
One of the rally’s coordinators said, “We are not against any community. Our fight is to ensure justice for those who are genuinely backward. The government must not play with the foundation of equality.”
—
Political and Social Repercussions
The agitation has political implications far beyond Nagpur. With local body elections and state polls approaching, parties are treading cautiously. Leaders from across political lines have tried to express solidarity, but the OBC organisations have firmly maintained that this is a people’s movement, not a political campaign.
Observers believe that the outcome of this protest could influence reservation politics in Maharashtra for years to come. If the state revises or withdraws the GR, it may strengthen OBC unity across the region. However, if ignored, it could lead to a prolonged confrontation — both on the streets and in the courts.
—
The Broader Picture: Reservation and Identity
At the heart of this conflict lies a complex question of identity. The Maratha community, which constitutes a significant portion of Maharashtra’s population, has long demanded reservation benefits citing economic and social backwardness. However, their inclusion under OBC categories has remained legally and politically contentious.
For the Kunbi and OBC communities, the concern is existential — if new groups are added without rigorous assessment, the already limited opportunities under reservation will shrink further.
Thus, what appears as a regional protest in Nagpur actually reflects a larger national debate on affirmative action, social justice, and how governments balance the demands of various castes without eroding constitutional equality.
—
Preparations in Nagpur
The city administration has been working round the clock to handle the scale of the gathering. Barricades have been installed, additional police forces deployed, and medical teams stationed along the rally route. Traffic diversions are likely near Sitabuldi, Cotton Market, and Samvidhan Chowk.
Local traders and citizens have expressed mixed feelings — while many support the cause, others are worried about congestion and disruption. Nonetheless, the general mood in the city remains charged with anticipation.
—
What Lies Ahead
As thousands converge in Nagpur, the rally is being seen as a defining moment in Maharashtra’s social landscape. Whether the government chooses to amend the GR, open talks with OBC representatives, or stand firm on its policy — the consequences will echo far beyond this one day of protest.
For now, the people of Vidarbha are united under one slogan:
“Protect OBC rights — Protect our future.”
—
Conclusion
The upcoming rally is not merely a political demonstration; it is a statement of identity, justice, and constitutional faith. For many, this movement represents the ongoing struggle to preserve equality in an ever-changing social fabric.
As Nagpur becomes the center of Maharashtra’s reservation debate, one thing is clear — the demand for fairness, transparency, and protection of OBC rights has never been louder.
Vidarbha Maratha-Kunbi OBC Organisations to Hold Massive Rally in Nagpur
