Maratha quota row: Chhagan Bhujbal skips Maharashtra cabinet meet

A rift is growing within the Maharashtra cabinet over the Maratha reservation issue. OBC leader and Minister Chhagan Bhujbal skipped the state cabinet meeting, expressing discontent after the government reportedly struck a deal with activist Jarange Patil, who has been leading the protest for Maratha reservation. Bhujbal's move came after he met with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The dissent stems from fears within the OBC community that the deal, which includes giving Maratha Kunbi communities reservation benefits based on the Hyderabad gazette, will affect their existing quota. In response to the growing concerns, the government has formed a new six-member cabinet subcommittee, with two ministers from each ruling party, to address the issues raised by the OBC community.