OBC Mahamorcha in Bhandara: Call for Census, UGC Equality Bill Dominates Rally

Bhandara witnessed a massive show of unity as a grand OBC mega march was taken out under the leadership of the Sakal OBC Mahamorcha from Dussehra Ground. The protest resonated with powerful slogans like “Jai OBC, Jai Constitution,” “Long live OBC unity,” and calls urging the community to awaken and strengthen the movement. People from distant villages as well as various cities participated enthusiastically. Women, elderly citizens, and youth were seen marching under the scorching sun, carrying placards and wearing yellow scarves as a symbol of solidarity. The key demands raised included conducting an OBC census, implementing the UGC Equality Bill, and establishing a separate ministry for OBCs.

The march began at 11 am from Dussehra Ground and passed through Gandhi Chowk and Post Office Chowk before culminating at Trimurti Chowk near the District Collector’s office. There, the rally transformed into a public सभा where leaders of various OBC organizations strongly criticized both the central and state governments. They accused the ruling authorities of following anti-OBC policies and compared them to chameleons that frequently change colors, claiming their ideology has never supported OBC interests. Speakers alleged that while the government conducts surveys of animals, it neglects OBC enumeration, reflecting a biased mindset that keeps OBC communities deprived of education and confined to labor-intensive livelihoods.

During the gathering, a strong appeal was made to the OBC community to support only those who genuinely stand with their cause during elections. Leaders also called for a boycott of the national census if OBC enumeration is not included, urging citizens not to provide information to census officials if their demands are ignored. They highlighted that despite OBCs constituting over 52 percent of the population, they continue to receive inadequate funding. The सभा concluded with a unanimous resolution to continue the agitation until a proper OBC census is conducted, along with a warning that the next phase of protests would be launched soon.

Prominent leaders present on the stage included chief coordinator Sadanand Ilme, Prabhakar Vairagade, Bhagirath Dhote, Dr. Balkrishna Sarve, Sanjay Mate, Ramesh Shahare, Roshan Urkude, Umesh Korram, Gopal Selokar, Jayant Jhode, Mangala Wadibhasme, Lalita Deshmukh, Roshan Jambhulkar, Umesh Singanjude, Dhananjay Biranwar, Sanjay Ajable, and Suresh Khangar. Notably, no leaders from any political party were given space on the stage by the organizers. However, several public representatives, including opposition leaders Vijay Wadettiwar, Nana Patole, Abhijit Wanjari, former MLA Charan Waghmare, and chairman Naresh Ishwarkar, joined the protest as participants, sitting among the citizens till the very end, dressed in yellow caps and carrying OBC flags.