Maratha quota: Their demand stuck, groups reach out to outfits in other states seeking share among OBCs

Concerned over the growing animosity between Marathas and OBCs, that is percolating to the village and taluka level, and to decide the next course of action, the ABMM has also convened a meeting on December 25 — the day when the ultimatum given to the Eknath Shinde-led NDA government in Maharashtra by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil for the resolution of the issue — expires.

Polarisation with OBCs

Regretting the tension on the issue between the Marathas and OBCs, ABMM general secretary Sambhaji Dahatonde-Patil said: “The two have co-existed and shared a cordial relationship across villages… The reservation demand has led to divisions, which needs to be addressed. There should be an amicable resolution to the issue in the interest of both communities.”

The ABMM’s efforts have gained further urgency due to the spate of resignations from the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC), which was tasked by the government to determine the socio-educational status of different communities as a first step towards a quota.

A coordinator of the Marathwada-based Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM), requesting anonymity, admitted a growing worry that the resignations will delay the process.

On Tuesday, the state government appointed Justice (retired) Sunil Shukre as the new MSBCC chairperson. Shukre was part of the seven-member delegation that had held talks with Jarange-Patil to persuade him to withdraw his nine-day-long hunger strike seeking Maratha quota.

According to Dahatonde-Patil, “Marathas can be given reservation by raising the ceiling for OBCs by 12-15% from the existing 27%… If Maratha reservation has to withstand legal and constitutional tests, it must get it within the OBC quota.”

Delhi Chalo

What has changed is the ABMM’s decision to coordinate its efforts with other groups. “We have decided to work with organisations in Haryana, Rajasthan and Karnataka that are also fighting for reservation rights. We will collectively take up the demand with our respective states and the Centre,” Dahatonde-Patil said.

The ABMM general secretary added: “The All India Jat Federation is aggressive in Haryana. There are some communities in Rajasthan and Karnataka seeking reservation under OBCs. We are reaching out to them too. We want to form a front to collectively place our cause before the Centre. We’re closely monitoring developments in the ongoing Winter Session of the state Assembly in Nagpur. We hope Maratha reservation will be the central topic.”

Growing assertion of OBC groups who refuse the inclusion of Marathas under the OBC category would lead to a stalemate, he added. Among those who is opposing this is NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who has said that while they were not opposed to Maratha reservation, it should happen under a separate category.

Dahatonde-Patil said such extreme positions as taken by Bhujbal hurt both sides. “Whether it is Jarange-Patil or Bhujbal, making unnecessary and provocative statements, or assertiveness that hurt each other, has to be avoided.”

But Jarange-Patil too has struck to his position, demanding that all Marathas be entitled to Kunbi certificates to avail OBC reservations.

OBC stand

Among the OBC groups, Banjara Kranti Morcha president Haribhau Rathod says: “The only way forward is to put Marathas as a sub-category, with a fixed 10-12% quota, clubbing all Kunbis under OBCs.”

But Rashtriya Maratha Mahasangh president Babanrao Taywade rejects this. “If OBC reservation is compromised, we’ll take our fight to the streets.” His group supports a separate quota for Marathas, but one that doesn’t affect the existing OBC quota and structure.

The total quota in the state is currently 52%, excluding the 10% quota for the Economically Backward Sections.