The controversy comes against the backdrop of the state government’s decision to implement the Hyderabad Gazette in Marathwada, recognising Marathas as Kunbis and enabling them to claim reservation under the OBC category—a move that has intensified political sensitivities in the region.

Responding to the allegations, BJP’s Maharashtra unit chief and revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed the criticism. “If someone has issued an advertisement, why does it bother them? During the MVA rule, how many advertisements were issued by Uddhav Thackeray?” he asked.

Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde also downplayed the row, insisting the government was focused on governance rather than credit. “We are not competing for recognition.

Justice has been delivered to both the Maratha and OBC communities under this government. Devendra Ji and I are working as a team in our second innings, and our agenda remains development and welfare of the poor,” Shinde said.

As the political tussle intensifies, the identity of the advertiser behind ‘DevaBhau’ and the source of the funding remain unanswered, leaving the controversy wide open.