Not a single OBC will vote for Sena-BJP in 2019 polls: S Devre

Shravan Devre leader of Other Backward Class (OBC) has threatened to staunchly oppose the state government’s move to include the Maratha reservation quota under the Socially Economically Backward Class (SEBC). The OBC leaders suspect this new category will eventually eat into their quota, which has upset them. “We held a meeting with the Chief Minister for an hour. As usual he talks and gives no assurances. He has assured, the government is creating a special category which is not in OBC quota and we should not worry. Above 50 percent they will provide and it will not hold in the court and then finally they will land up in our category and eat into our quota. We will not allow it. He is claiming they are drafting a new policy,” said Davre.

The OBC representatives have now challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government, saying, they are going to undertake awareness campaign against both the parties, BJP and Shiv Sena, ensuring they do not get a single vote of OBC in the 2019 elections.

“We are taking meetings in every taluka and district to spread awareness on our rights. And I promise you, in the 2019 elections, not a single OBC vote will be given to BJP-Sena. Having said this, it does not mean our vote will not for Congress,” Davre said. Davre said, all the OBC leaders in consultation with the lawyers and are preparing to challenge the state government’s move in the High Court.

“Once the elections are over, we will definitely go to court. The demeanour of the CM is, they will quickly pass a new law and then call for elections. Once the elections are announced, they ar enot bothered if anyone challenges the bill in court,” alleged Davre.

Our members will lead a morcha to Azad Maidan on November 29, demanding our rights. There are 52 percent OBC in the total population of the state, a significant percentage. Echoing these sentiments, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said, the government is scare to table the report and hence are rushing into drafting a bill and no guarantee this government will be re-elected. “This is a short term measure, again which does not guarantee people will re-elect this government. Speaking of this SEBC category and assuring a quota which either will face legal hurdle or eat into OBC quota means, the BJP will be finished in the long run”.