Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar asserted on Tuesday that he has never utilized his caste for political gains, responding to a viral document suggesting his inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Dismissing the certificate as fake, his daughter, NCP MP Supriya Sule, emphasized that Pawar, hailing from the Maratha community, does not shy away from acknowledging his caste.
While the Maratha community constitutes over 30% of Maharashtra’s population, Pawar stressed that his political career has not been shaped by caste considerations. Despite having respect for the OBC community, he affirmed his commitment to addressing the issues faced by his birth caste. Pawar acknowledged the intense sentiment among the younger generation regarding Maratha reservation in education and government jobs, clarifying that the authority to decide on reservations lies with the state and central governments. The ongoing protests in the state underscore the demand for Maratha reservation, with Pawar highlighting the need for a balanced resolution to the issue.
