OBCs, Dalits should assert themselves in Lok Sabha polls, says Prakash Ambedkar

“It is not just a fight between OBCs and Marathas. It is a larger battle to reassert the rights of OBCs and Dalits. We have to unite and fight to save the Constitution, reservation and representation in the political system,” Ambedkar told The Indian Express. “The OBCs, tribals, Dalits and oppressed segments within Marathas together make up for 80 per cent of the population. Why should they be subjected to exploitation?” he added.

Exhorting people to learn to make a clear distinction between those in favour of reservation and those against, Ambedkar said, “Do not get swayed by the government’s false promises. Do not get carried away by their narratives.”

The battle lines have to be drawn, Ambedkar said. “All mainstream parties are getting elected using OBC/Dalit vote banks. But why is it that OBCs and Dalits do not get adequate representation in politics? Why is there only a symbolic representation of these communities in Parliament and Assembly?” Ambedkar asked.

“It is high time OBCs/Dalits assert themselves. In the Lok Sabha polls, they should ensure their vote goes to OBCs/Dalits. Unless such hard decisions are taken, OBCs and Dalits will be subjected to playing a secondary role in mainstream politics,” he said.

“Even within Marathas, there are two categories; one which is rich and politically dominant and the other is poor and neglected,” Ambedkar said, adding that he fears the rich and established Maratha class is using reservation politics to serve its vested interests.

“There are 169 well-established Maratha families that control the entire economy and politics in the state. They are all interlinked through relations,” he alleged, adding, “When we raise a voice against the exploitation of OBCs/Dalits, we also are concerned about these poor Marathas. We consider them as ‘Vanchit’ (deprived).”

Ambedkar’s remarks come at a time when OBC organisations in Maharashtra have decided to undertake a consolidation drive to put up a united front and showcase their political might to counter the growing clamour for Maratha reservation.

OBC Jan Manch president Prakash Shendge said, “We are holding a rally at Azad Maidan on January 26. We have appealed to OBCs to come in large numbers to raise their concerns and fight for their rights.”

“Our battle is not against any individual or community. Our objection is to Maratha reservation under the OBC category. Everybody knows Marathas are a dominant community. Till now they flaunted their forward caste. Suddenly, they are now seeking reservation. They are insisting on reservation within the OBC category. This cannot be tolerated,” Shendge told The Indian Express.

The OBC outfits’ rally will be held on a day when Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil is also holding a rally in the city. OBC leaders are angry that the state government has agreed to all the demands made by Jarange-Patil. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s promise to Jarange-Patil that the survey to identify Kunbis will be concluded in seven days has also upset the OBC leaders who say this is a hasty decision to please Marathas and leaves ample scope for manipulation.