Maharashtra's political arena is simmering with tension as the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other marginalized groups intensify their opposition to a recent Government Resolution (GR) granting Maratha community members access to OBC benefits via the Hyderabad Gazette. Issued earlier this month to pacify protests led by activist Manoj Jarange, the GR has ignited fears of quota dilution, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to urge restraint against the "politics of extreme" that could fracture social unity.
The controversy centers on the GR's provision allowing Marathas to obtain OBC Kunbi caste certificates based on historical records from the Nizam of Hyderabad's era. Marathwada, formerly under Hyderabad state rule, saw Marathas granted educational and job reservations in 1918, a precedent now leveraged for contemporary claims. Critics argue this could erode existing quotas for SCs, STs, and OBCs, leading to widespread protests and demands for the GR's withdrawal.
OBC activists Navnath Waghmare and Satusung Mundhe have voiced strong concerns, warning that the expansion threatens the rights of 374 castes already under the OBC umbrella. They have announced a massive morcha in Nagpur on October 10 to rally support and pressure the government. Similarly, Banjara community leader Sandesh Chavan of Gor Sena has demanded restoration of ST status, citing historical classifications during the Nizam's rule over 17 districts, five of which now form part of Maharashtra (Aurangabad, Beed, Nanded, Parbhani, and Osmanabad). Tragically, a 32-year-old Banjara graduate from Dharashiv reportedly died by suicide on Saturday, leaving a note advocating for ST reservation, further fueling the outrage.
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Since September 11, Banjara youths have staged an indefinite hunger strike outside the Jalna Collector’s office, with senior leader Haribhau Rathod planning additional morchas in Jalna and Beed on September 15. However, Adivasi groups have countered these demands, asserting that Banjaras already benefit from a 3% quota under the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) category, highlighting internal divisions among backward communities.
Fadnavis, addressing the escalating rift, emphasized that the GR safeguards OBC interests. "Only those Marathas with verifiable Kunbi records will receive certificates—no bogus claims will be entertained," he assured. He accused opposition forces of stoking fears that "OBC reservation is finished," which is harming the confidence of OBC students. "This politics of extremes is detrimental to all communities. Leaders from Maratha and OBC sides must present facts to the people to bridge the chasm," Fadnavis appealed, noting that his BJP-led Mahayuti government has implemented all pro-OBC measures since 2014.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar waded into the fray, slamming the Mahayuti administration for deliberately weakening Maharashtra's social fabric and exacerbating caste divides. "The government seems intent on unresolved conflicts rather than solutions. We must resist this, even at a political cost, to preserve harmony and unity," Pawar declared. He categorically denied any ties to Jarange's agitation, dismissing such allegations as baseless.
Fadnavis fired back at Pawar, quipping, "Everyone knows Pawar saheb's reputation—when he says 'X,' it often means 'Y.' He's a big leader; what more can I add?" This exchange underscores the deepening political polarization as Maharashtra gears up for future elections.
The Maratha quota saga traces back to prolonged agitations, with Jarange's protests forcing the government's hand. Yet, the GR's reliance on century-old gazettes has reopened historical wounds, pitting communities against each other in a zero-sum battle over limited resources. Legal experts predict court challenges, potentially escalating the issue to the Supreme Court, while social observers warn of long-term societal fragmentation if not addressed judiciously.
As protests loom and rhetoric heats up, Fadnavis's call for factual discourse aims to de-escalate, but the ground reality suggests a volatile path ahead. Maharashtra's delicate caste equilibrium hangs in the balance, with the quota row threatening to redefine alliances and electoral strategies.
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