Nagpur: A protest demanding a separate column for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the upcoming national census gathered momentum in Nagpur on Saturday, with Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar warning of a statewide non-cooperation movement if the demand is ignored.The agitation, organised by the Sakal OBC Sanghatana at Samvidhan Square, brought together several OBC leaders and activists who argued that the absence of a dedicated OBC category in census forms would deprive the community of its constitutional rights and accurate representation in policy making.The Congress leader also criticised the Centre and the state govt, questioning their commitment to the welfare of OBC communities. “Those who claim to be champions of OBCs — where are they now?” he asked, adding that symbolic gestures such as banners or announcements were not enough without concrete policy decisions.Protesters also said they would launch a grassroots campaign urging households to display placards outside their homes declaring that OBC families would not participate in the census unless a separate column for the community was introduced.On the blast that killed 19 workers at an explosives unit, Wadettiwar alleged that the administration and the factory owners were responsible for the tragedy. He also called for a comprehensive audit of all the factories dealing with explosives or ammunition before allowing them to operate.“Such accidents happen due to failure of authorities to enforce safety regulation,” he said. The Congress leader also said he would submit a letter to CM Devendra Fadnavis demanding strict action and systemic reforms. “The issue would also be raised in the state legislature after the Holi recess,” he said.
