Across Maharashtra, from small talukas to big districts and cities, streets are now filled with rallies, processions, and even hunger strikes—all demanding one thing: reservation.
The Dhangars have started a protest asking for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Banjara community and the Kolis (fisher folk), too, want the same recognition. However, these demands are met with stiff resistance and protests by other communities, who fear any new inclusion will reduce their own share.
Sadly, instead of reducing the inequality gap, reservation is spilling into fresh rivalries. The state is witnessing communities locked in battles for their own share of the quota. Such is the situation that villages where communities have lived in peace for generations are now witnessing tensions, with old grudges surfacing solely over reservation.
Quota politics is pulling communities apart.
Many experts see the implementation of the Mandal Commission as a turning point for the reservation issue. The Maratha community’s demand intensified in the early 2000s when the Kunbi (an agrarian sub-caste) was officially granted OBC status.
Of the 12 crore-plus population in Maharashtra, 28 percent are Maratha, while 53 percent are OBC. Despite there being a ceiling of 50 percent for reservation, in many states, including Maharashtra, this limit has been breached. Yet, political promises continue to stretch these boundaries.
Currently, Maharashtra has 52 percent reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Vimukt Jati, Nomadic Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBC). In addition, a 10 percent reservation for Marathas (socially and economically backward class) takes the total reservation to 62 percent.
Maharashtra has always been referred to as the land of reformers. History reminds us how several stalwart reformists and leaders—including Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—fought to break the caste system and barriers and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the marginalized. The goal was inclusion and not rivalry.
As political parties have changed the definition of reforms, reservation is now being seen as one of the major elements that define electoral issues. Even if anything is framed as justice, the bigger motive is often “what about one’s own community?”
Political parties, instead of coming together to find an amicable solution to the problem, are milking the situation as they look at this divide in communities as an opportunity to create vote banks.
When the ruling regime—the BJP-led Maharashtra government—called for an all-party meeting on the Maratha reservation issue, the Opposition remained absent from the discussion. Ideally, one would expect leaders to seek votes on the basis of vision and development. Instead, they are asking for votes in the name of caste.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s reaction clearly speaks about political posturing. Last week, Fadnavis claimed that the government decision had not touched or altered any quota, adding, “but if anyone still wants to play politics over it, what can be said?”
According to media reports, OBC strongman and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal has openly urged the community to teach lessons to Maratha leaders backing quota activist Manoj Jarange. On the other hand, Jarange has instructed all Marathas to ensure the defeat of OBC leaders opposing their demand.
This is a clear indication that society continues to prioritize caste over policy and progress.
For now, such parties may see short-term gains in the form of popularity and electoral votes. But, in the long run, this will certainly erode social trust.
Everyone in society needs to be taken into confidence and remember that reservation is not the only path to progress or a quality life. Creating more employment, education, and job opportunities, too, are needed along with quotas if society is to see meaningful changes and results.
Phule fought for education, Shahu Maharaj sought to break caste monopolies in Kolhapur, and Ambedkar’s cause was to bring equality and dignity.
If Maharashtra wishes to retain its tag as a reformist state, the time has come for all political parties, community leaders, organizations, and civil society to come together.
Along with reservation, making education affordable, improving its quality, and ensuring wide access to everyone; working on upgrading the skills of youth; and addressing unemployment by providing more opportunities are essential steps for the state to rediscover the vision and spirit of reform.
If ignored, the gap will widen, rivalries between communities will rise, and the social fabric will be torn beyond repair.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/quota-politics-of-divide-and-rule-23594907
