Maratha quota: BJP’s bigger challenge; Keep OBC base intact

The MSBCC report, which states that the Marathas are socially and economically backward, has given fresh impetus to the government to fulfil its quota promise made to the community four years ago. The government has promised 16 per cent reservation to Marathas, who constitute 33 per cent of Maharashtra’s population.

At present, the reservation extended to various communities in the state are as follows: SCs 13 per cent, STs 7 per cent, OBCs 27 per cent, Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribe 2 per cent. Together, it comes to 49 per cent.

Bharipbahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar said, “We have no problems with Maratha reservation. But the government should ensure the existing OBC quota remains undisturbed.”

A BJP leader said, “The Maratha reservation will help the BJP expand its socio-political base in Maharashtra. The decision will help the party make inroads in the traditional Congress-NCP bastions in western Maharashtra and Marathwada, which are closely identified with established Maratha leaderships. Secondly, Fadnavis, who is often dismissed as a Brahmin leader, will get greater acceptability among the Marathas.”

The government has decided to make a clear distinction between Kunbhi Marathas and Marathas. A BJP political manager said, “There is no question of clubbing the Kunbhi Marathas with Marathas. The Kunbhi Marathas, who are availing the OBC quota in Vidarbha, parts of north Maharashtra and Konkan, will not be disturbed.”

On Thursday, a Maratha Kranti Morcha office-bearer said, “If the Fadnavis government implements the reservation in December, we will publicly felicitate the chief minister.”