Reservation back at the centre of politics in state

THOUGH THERE WERE PROTESTS LAST YEAR AS WELL, THIS TIME THEY ARE VIOLENT

non-maratha Hindus are more than 50% in Maharashtra and as such the current situation may not be a bad scenario for their party. What happened with the agitation by Patel-patidars in neighbouring Gujarat is a case to remember, they say.

The calculations in the opposition camp are different. Marathas form significant part of the support base of the Congress and the NCP. The community played a major role as the Congress (and its offshoot NCP) ruled the state most of the 58 years since 1960 when the state was formed. As such, most of the chief ministers of the state came from that community. Little wonder that both the parties support the demand of the community.

As far as the Congressncp are concerned, a large chunk of Maratha votes that went to the BJP-SENA in 2014 due to reasons such as antiincumbency and Modi wave could come back to them if Marathas get angry with the ruling parties. Marathas along with minorities, Dalits, tribals, and a chunk of OBC could become a formidable combination for the Opposition parties in 2019.

The two parties however are avoiding being much vocal on the issue because they don’t want to antagonise other castes, especially the OBCS. That was why, after the meeting of the legislators on Monday, the Congress demanded that the government should grant reservations to Marathas, Dhangars (Shepherds) and Muslims. That is also the strategy of the Shiv Sena which is supporting the Marathas, but avoiding going over the top. The OBCS and Hindu Dalits form significant support base for the party. While Opposition parties are weighing the calculations as Maratha outfits are resorting to violent protests, many in the ruling BJP are wary of the unease between Fadnavis and his party colleagues in the state cabinet. Fadnavis’ close aides are lamenting that none of the senior ministers are rushing to the chief minister’s defence as he is being targeted by the Maratha outfits. Except revenue minister Chandrakant Patil, most ministers have preferred to keep quiet. The ministers, on the other hand, point out how they are not taken in confidence on key issues and as such they prefer not to speak on any issues unless they are asked to.

So, what will be the impact of the Maratha unrest? Nobody knows for sure.