In runup to 2019 elections, a split in Hindu votes inevitable
SIMMERING TENSION Protests are an indication that Dalits have found a vent for their emotions, are trying to become assertive
Unlike the uni-directional, pro-development political wave that was seen in the run-up to the 2014 general elections in the country, the first signs of a tectonic shift in Maharashtra’s political terrain are now visible.
The widespread Dalit protests and sporadic violence in the state are an indication that the run-up to the 2019 general elections won’t be the same. These are very clear signs of a sharp fragmentation of the state’s Hindu voting population.
Inspired by then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s campaign promise of the Gujarat model of development, Maharashtra voted for the BJP, rejecting incumbents Congress-NCP. Even the Shiv Sena was forced to play second fiddle to the BJP. The Dalits were nowhere in the reckoning because they too were swept by the promise of development: “sabka saath, sabka vikas”. Gripped by panic that it would virtually lose its identity by being a model alliance partner to the BJP, the Shiv Sena preferred to taunt and criticise the PM at every opportunity.
While the Congress in Maharashtra remained rudderless, the biggest political leader of the state, Sharad Pawar, increasingly dabbled in Maratha caste politics. However, as was seen from the massive silent protests (Muk Morchas) of the Marathas in Mumbai, Pune and other prominent cities of Maharashtra, the Maratha Kranti Morcha organisers kept politicians at more than an arm’s length.
Centered around the slogan ‘Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha’ (One Maratha is equivalent to one lakh Marathas), these morchas helped unite the community across the state.
The demands were straightforward: swift justice in the Kopardi rape-and-murder case of a Maratha minor girl by Dalit youths (in November 2017, three accused were convicted and sentenced to death), and reservations in jobs and educational institutions for Maratha youth.
While the Maratha community was satisfied that the Maharashtra police and government prosecutors did a fine job which led to the conviction, the demand for reservation remains to be fulfilled. Added to this was a deep sense of injustice among Dalits as alleged Maratha criminals went scot free in a heinous crime against Dalits unlike Kopardi.
The 200th anniversary of the British victory against the Peshwas in the Battle of Koregaon has special significance for Dalits because of the decisive role played by the untouchable Mahars in defeating the Peshwas. This year’s celebrations marked the bicentenary.
Given the backdrop of the Dalit-Maratha tension in the state, the administration should have been better prepared.
Violence erupted at the nearby village of Vadhu Budruk on December 29 where some dalits put up a board in front of a memorial to Govind Gopal Mahar, claiming that he had performed the last rites of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, in defiance of an imperial order from the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. This provoked the Marathas in the village who protested that this was not a fact. Soon clashes broke out, resulting in the death of one youth and sparking state-wide unrest.
The protests are an indication that the Dalits of Maharashtra have found vent to their suppressed emotions and are trying to become assertive. There is a cry for new leadership.
MUMBAI: