Interview: If Marathas continue to ask for reservation under OBC category, we will fight it, says Chhagan Bhujbal
Also read | Chhagan Bhujbal slams Banthia panel report on OBCs
How do you see the Supreme Court's recent order asking for local body elections to be held as per the law for OBC reservation, prior to the 2022 Banthia Commission report?
We are very happy that we got justice from the Supreme Court. When the Mandal Commission recommendations were accepted, people went to the Supreme Court. Then, a nine-judge bench had given a verdict. That is the final verdict. Afterall, the Supreme Court is supreme. (referring to the Indra Sawhney verdict)
The Supreme Court will look into the Banthia Commission report only later now.
The Banthia Commission report was submitted in a hurry. Within one month, is it possible that sitting at home, sitting in air-conditioned places, can you have the caste census all over Maharashtra? For example, I will tell you. Gaikwad is a surname. When the Commission was going through the electoral rolls, the officers marked 'Gaikwad' as Maratha. But Gaikwad is an SC too, an OBC too, even a Mali community member. I don't agree with the Banthia Commission report, but because, at that time, there was the Supreme Court which was sitting on our State Government's head, we had to submit that report.
I had raised the problems about the Commission report with Uddhav Thackeray then, as he was the Chief Minister. He had said that the elections to 92 local bodies had to be conducted with zero OBC reservation. If we took this up, then it will create problems for other local body elections too.
Will you take back the report in that case?
It doesn't matter. Till then, my election will be done [referring to the local body elections[ and we will fight it out thoroughly. The nine-judge judgment of the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case is already there. Now, when the case continues, it will take years together. And, by that time, as the Prime Minister has declared, there will be a caste census. With the caste census, it will be crystal clear.
How will the caste census affect the OBC politics in Maharashtra?
OBCs have played a prominent role in politics not just in Maharashtra, but also in U.P., in Bihar, in Tamil Nadu, in Karnataka, in Telangana. After 1931, there has been no caste census. This has been a long-pending demand. We have been cheated once by the Congress in 2010, when Pranab Mukherjee had assented to caste census after all the OBC leaders had come together in the House.
In Maharashtra, the Marathas too want a slice of the OBC quota.
I, Chhagan Bhujbal, will fight this tooth-and-nail. Our house is already full. OBC is not a caste. It is a class. There are many small groups in it. There is no space in our house. So we are telling the Marathas, don't come here. You have another house, please go there. If they still continue to ask for reservation under the OBC category, we are ready. We will fight it. Even they won't get anything in that case.
60% MLAs are Marathas, 60% Ministers are Marathas. The Chief Ministers have been Marathas. The banks are with them, the milk co-operatives, the sugar co-operatives are with them. The district bodies are with them. And they still want reservation from the OBC quota. So far, the demand for Maratha reservation has come up thrice. And all the three times, I supported them. But I will fight it if they want reservation from the OBC quota.
Also, Manoj Jarange Patil has been responsible for creating a rift between the OBCs and the Marathas. He has disturbed the social fabric.
It is being said that Chhagan Bhujbal has been brought in the cabinet due to the intervention of CM Devendra Fadnavis, for OBC votebank in the upcoming local body elections.
I have been in politics for several decades now. And every time I was given an opportunity from being a Mayor to becoming the Deputy Chief Minister, it was not because I was an OBC. How can you say that now? Yes, my induction will help the Mahayuti in the coming elections.
Devendra Fadnavis had insisted in December as well, that I should be in Cabinet. But Ajit dada listened only now. At that time, he did not listen. The fact is also that I am the Minister of Ajit Pawar. It is up to him to decide who he should include in the cabinet.
Do we say that there is an uneasy truce between Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal now?
I am one of the founder members of NCP, along with Sharad Pawar. All of a sudden, I was thrown out. I was upset. I stuck with the party even when the Congress had offered me the Chief Minister's position at one point. Otherwise I would have been there in Vilasrao Deshmukh's place. And yet, the kind of treatment which was given to me this time was not appropriate. I was shocked.
Do you foresee yourself going to the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha?
Of course, I want to go. I have been in State politics for 40 years now. I had requested my party to send me to the Parliament. Now, once everything settles here, I will definitely ask them to let me go.
Do you see the Pawar uncle-nephew duo coming together again?
I have worked with Balasaheb Thackeray for 25 years. I have worked with Sharad Pawar for decades. I have seen the affection Balasaheb had for Raj Thackeray. I have seen Ajit grow under the tutelage of Sharad Pawar. It is hurtful when families split. I will be very happy if the Thackerays [Uddhav and Raj] reunite and the Pawars come together. Who wants to see a rift in the family? But it is our wishful thinking. I don't think it will happen.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
17 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Protests in Chennai over Supreme Court order on relocating stray dogs in Delhi
Animal rights activists and dog lovers took to the streets in Chennai to stage a protest on Sunday, days after the Supreme Court ordered the stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to be moved to shelters within eight weeks. Dog lovers and activists attend a protest rally, after India's top court last week ordered authorities to relocate all stray dogs in Delhi.(REUTERS) Protests in Chennai followed similar demonstrations seen in the national capital previously. Protestors were seen holding placards that read 'Save Delhi Dogs' and 'Their Lives Matter', with pictures of stray dogs on. People taking part in the protests were also seen holding some dogs and puppies in their arms. On Saturday evening, people gathered near India Gate against the SC's order. Earlier, on Friday, Delhi Police registered four FIRs in connection with the protest held without prior permission on August 11 and 12 in New Delhi, reported ANI. According to the police, demonstrations were organised despite prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of BNS (formerly known as Section 144), which was in force due to the security measures ahead of Independence Day. Also read: Humane solution to street dogs: It's as simple as ABC Police officials also claimed that the protest turned unruly when police tried to disperse the demonstrators. "Those who refused to leave the protest sites despite repeated requests were detained. Legal action will be taken against all those found violating the law," the Delhi Police said. Protests have been ongoing since August 11, when the Supreme Court directed authorities to ensure that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad are free of stray dogs. The court had ruled that captured animals should not be released back onto the streets. Following this, a three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria reserved its order on petitions seeking a stay on the directive. The bench said it would pass an interim order after hearing arguments from all sides. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing from the side of the Delhi government, said that there is a 'loud vocal minority' opposing the order, while the 'silent suffering majority' are supporting it. He said that people eat chicken and then claim to be animal lovers. He said that children were dying and sterilisation did not stop rabies, 'even if you immunised them, that did not stop mutilation of children," Mehta added further. Meanwhile, Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the NGO, questioned whether municipal authorities had created enough shelter homes for the dogs. "Now, dogs are picked up. But the order says once they are sterilised, do not leave them out in the community," he argued, seeking a stay on the August 11 order. The bench observed that the core problem was the failure of local bodies to implement the Animal Birth Control Rules. Justice Nath remarked, "Rules and laws are framed by the Parliament, but they are not followed. Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing.' In a detailed order, the court clarifies that the August 11 decision was not taken on a "momentary impulse" but after two decades of authorities failing to address a matter directly affecting public safety.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Can compassion bridge the gap between humans and animals?
(UPSC Ethics Simplified draws attention to topics related to applied ethics, especially those making headlines. Recently, UPSC has been focusing on contemporary issues and posing ethical questions to candidates. In the past, we have examined pollution, war, sports, finance, international relations, bureaucracy, the Prada-Kolhapuri chappals controversy, the work-life balance debate and judiciary through the lens of ethics. Today, Nanditesh Nilay, who writes fortnightly for UPSC Essentials, addresses another pressing issue — the Prada-Kolhapuri chappals controversy.) In a significant development, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its interim order on managing the stray dog population in the National Capital Region (NCR). The court's move follows close on the heels of another bench's suo motu proceedings, which directed the relocation of stray dogs from public streets to designated shelters. The directive has sparked protests, particularly from dog lovers and animal welfare groups. Where is this heading? Only time will tell. But beyond the legal and logistical debates, a deeper question remains: What does true compassion look like? Today, let's set aside theory and legal jargon — and instead, experience compassion as a lived emotion, through the power of a story. 'Why are you running on the wrong side of the road?' Kiran Kumar called out. Mangat, out of breath, suddenly stopped. 'My calf has been missing since yesterday,' he said. 'I've been searching for him all night, going here and there.' Kiran nodded, surprised. 'That's strange — I am also looking for someone. My puppy Simsim ran out the front gate this morning and disappeared.' He paused, then asked, 'What's the name of your calf?' Mangat hesitated, unsure. But then he said quietly, 'Sir, you must have heard me calling him. I've been shouting his name again and again. My calf is very innocent. His name is Sangat.' The two parted ways, each walking the same road but with different hopes in their hearts. A while later, Kiran's phone rang. It was Mangat again. 'Sir, there's a small white dog outside a colony gate. I've picked him up. What should I do?' Kiran's heart skipped a beat. 'Check his teeth! One of them is yellow, the rest are white. Or maybe his throat sounds hoarse. Keep him close and don't let him go, Mangat. Please keep talking to me.' Mangat tried to look, but the puppy was wriggling, restless. Trying to force his mouth open felt dangerous. Desperate, Mangat even barked like a puppy. Nothing worked. 'Simsim? Speak, Simsim! Kiran sir is worried for you!' he said softly. 'But you're acting stubborn. And now—oh no—why are you peeing here?' The call was still on. 'He has a soft heart, Mangat,' Kiran said. 'If he smiles, you'll see that yellow tooth. I'm almost there.' Mangat had an idea. Maybe the pup was hungry. He took out some biscuits and offered them. Simsim wagged his tail, ate a few, and finally—smiled. A small, golden tooth shone. 'Sir! I see it. His tooth! It's shining, a little golden too!' Kiran sighed in relief and ran faster. But suddenly, someone else was running behind him. He turned—and was stunned. 'Mangat! I've found Sangat!' he said. 'He's standing with me. Every time I run, he tries to follow. But his left leg is hurt. I can't let him run.' 'Sir, he is weak and gentle. Please take care of him. I'm bringing Simsim to you,' Mangat replied. But as he crossed the road, Mangat slipped. He fell hard, and Simsim jumped out of his arms. The cold winter morning made the pain worse. But Simsim didn't run away. He left the biscuits and returned to Mangat's side, licking his hand, sitting close. Kiran was still on the phone. 'What now, Mangat? I can't leave Sangat.' Both stood still, torn. Simsim and Sangat didn't understand the call. But both understood one thing—they were safe, and they were not alone. Half an hour later, Mangat was able to walk again. Simsim stayed close, careful, walking slowly by his side. On the other side, Kiran gently cleaned Sangat's wound with his handkerchief. It was so soothing that Sangat sat down in peace. Finally, Mangat reached. The moment he saw Sangat, he forgot his pain and ran. Sangat stood too, and they hugged—not as man and animal, but as two souls finding each other. Simsim nuzzled against Kiran's chest, listening to his heartbeat. Then something unexpected happened. Simsim jumped out of Kiran's arms and ran toward Mangat. And Sangat, who had refused to move, stayed by Kiran's side. Mangat became emotional. 'Go back, Simsim. Don't follow me. I will cry.' But Simsim circled Mangat's feet lovingly. Sangat, limping slightly, tried to show Kiran that he was strong enough to walk. Kiran laughed through his tears and ran a little. Sangat followed, delighted. The sun began to shine, casting golden light on the road—and on four beings who had just shared something powerful. 'Glad to meet you, Mangat. I will never forget you,' Kiran Kumar said. Simsim looked back at Mangat and flashed his golden tooth again. Sangat stood proudly beside Kiran. For the first time, it didn't matter who was a man and who was an animal. They stood as a family. Compassion had broken through all barriers. Be prepared to have your ethics tested — especially when comparing two simultaneous events through the lens of compassion. Recently, many lives were lost in the Uttarakhand landslide. But did cities like Delhi come together in empathy? Do we protest when one human hurts another? Do we cry out when stray dogs attack a child on the street? Why is compassion not a social behavior? When an animal stares, it may attack. But when a human stares, the attack has already begun. So, isn't it time we reclaim compassion—not as a rare virtue, but as a defining trait of our humanity? Loving animals is human. But loving people, especially the elderly, the poor, and the vulnerable, is human too. Do we show the same unity and pain for people that Simsim showed for Mangat, or Sangat showed for Kiran? These are questions worth asking. Because compassion should never be selective. In 'The Power of Compassion', the Dalai Lama defines compassion as 'an openness to the suffering of others with a commitment to relieve it.' In other words, compassion isn't just about recognizing pain—it's about being moved to act. But compassion goes beyond just feeling for another person. It extends to any being or entity around us. As scholar Jason Kanov explains, compassion has three key components: noticing, feeling, and responding. British clinical psychologist Paul Gilbert further breaks it down into six core attributes: sensitivity, sympathy, empathy, motivation or caring, distress tolerance, and non-judgment. Importantly, psychologists emphasize that compassion isn't limited to those close to us — it can, and should, extend to strangers. Ethicists have long echoed this view. Simsim, Sangat, and people in Uttarakhand — all needed care, all deserved kindness. And that is what the world needs more of: not just rules and judgments—but real, shared compassion, for all living beings. But in the noise of modern life, one question remains: How aware are we — truly — of compassion as a human responsibility? The story of Mangat and Kiran Kumar revolves around two individuals searching for their lost animals. The story highlights that both men are faced with many challenges — emotional, physical and ethical. In the process, compassion, responsibility, and human-animal relationships appear dominantly throughout the story. On the other hand, recent news like the Supreme Court's directive on relocating stray dogs and the landslides in hilly part of the country leads us to ponder about selective compassion in times we live. In this context: (a) What does the story convey about compassion as a ethical value? (b) When it comes to public policy, how can balance between compassion for animals and human safety and welfare be ensured? (c) How should a civil servant ensure that compassion plays an important role in decision-making during crises? (The writer is the author of 'Being Good', 'Aaiye, Insaan Banaen', 'Kyon' and 'Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness'. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (concepts and caselets) fortnightly.) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on UPSC section of The Indian Express on Instagram and X. For your queries and suggestions write at
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
'Planting food, not violence or hate': Brazil's Lula razzes Donald Trump over tariff-hit grapes
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Saturday (August 17, 2025) he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump can come and get to know the real Brazil, as the South American powerhouse reels from Washington's 50% tariffs. In a video taken while he planted grapes — one of the tariff-hit goods — Brazil's leftist leader addressed Mr. Trump. Brazil's Lula says proposal to regulate social media platforms is ready "I hope you can visit someday so we can talk and you can get to know the true Brazil, the Brazil of people who love samba, carnival, soccer, the United States, China, Russia, Uruguay, and Venezuela. We love everyone," Mr. Lula said. The tariffs imposed on Brazil are among the steepest to hit a U.S. trading partner. And unlike with other countries, the measures against Brazil have been framed in openly political terms, with the Republican President justifying the move by alleging Brasilia is conducting a "witch hunt" against his ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Mr. Bolsonaro is being tried for an alleged coup attempt against Lula in 2022, and the United States recently sanctioned the judge in the case, along with seven other Supreme Court magistrates. Mr. Lula has backed the Supreme Court and promises to defend "the sovereignty of the Brazilian people." His administration has also vowed to combat Mr. Trump's tariffs, including by lodging an appeal if necessary. India, Brazil partnership relevant to the entire world: PM Modi The levies, which affect several key exports from the largest economy in Latin America, sweep aside centuries-old trade ties and a surplus that Brasilia put at $284 million last year. In his message on X, Mr. Lula said he was giving an example of "planting food, and not planting violence, or planting hate." "I hope that someday we can talk, President Trump, so you can learn about the quality of the Brazilian people," he adds.
