OBC Vs Maratha : The Maratha reservation controversy continues to simmer, with OBCs unhappy about the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC reservation sphere. On February 1, budget day, OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal declared protests outside the homes of MLAs, MPs, and tehsildars. Let’s explore some key questions in this ongoing controversy.
Who are Marathas ?
There is no official data as there has been no caste census. As per some surveya and estimate 33% of population of Maharashtra is Maratha. They cover a range of castes and can be found in different professions such as landowners, peasants, and warriors. Maratha Kshatriyas uses surnames as Deshmukh, Bhonsle, More, Shirke, and Jadhav while Kunbi are predominantly agrarian sub-caste.
Reason of Jarange Patil’s protest
Maharashtra government has agreed to Jarange Patil’s demand of Kunbi certificates for Marathas of Marathwara and Western Maharashtra.
It is easy to find out the historical records of Kunbi in British ruled Maharashtra i.e Vidarbha (Eastern Maharashtra), Western Maharashtra and North Maharashtra. However, Nizam ruled Marathwada Kunbi records of previous generations are difficult to get. That is why there are fewer people in the region who has Kunbi Certificates. Even children of Kunbi certificate-carrying women married into Maratha families in the region do not have the certificate. This was a major issue raised by Jarange-Patil’s agitation.
The notification mentions that the sage-soyare (blood relations) of the individual who has verified Kunbi records belonging to the Maratha community will be entitled to Kunbi certificate.
Link between Kunbi and OBC Status
Kunbis are farmers, and most of them in Vidarbha and northern Maharashtra have Kunbi certificates and OBC status. But many from the Maratha community in Marathwada and western Maharashtra do not have Kunbi certificates, and hence are not entitled to OBC reservation.
Reservation Composition in Maharashatra
Breakdown of reservation in Maharahstra : SC 13 per cent, ST 7 per cent, OBC 19 per cent, Special Backward Class 2 per cent, Vimukta Jati 3 per cent, Nomadic Tribe (B) 2.5 per cent, Nomadic Tribe (C) per cent, Dhangar 3.5 per cent, Nomadic Tribe (D) Vanjari 2 per cent.
| Reservation in Maharashtra | In % |
| SC | 13% |
| ST | 7% |
| OBC | 19% |
| Special Backwar Class | 2% |
| Vimukta Jati | 3% |
| Nomadic Tribe (B) | 2.50% |
| Nomadic Tribe (C) Dhangri | 3.50% |
| Nomadic Tribe (D) Vanjari: | 2% |
Why OBCs are not happy with Maratha Reservations ?
The Maharashtra government and Maratha activist Jarange Patil have agreed on a formula that does not tamper with the 50 percent limit set by the Supreme Court. Previous efforts by various governments to provide reservations to Marathas faced numerous legal hurdles. Currently, the Supreme Court is reviewing the Curative petition filed by the Maharashtra government.
As a result, there will be more claimants not only for government jobs and educational institutions reserved for OBCs but also for OBC-reserved seats in local civic bodies.
The shrinking political representation in local civic bodies is a concern for OBCs. It is acknowledged that Marathas dominate the political landscape in Maharashtra. With Marathas entering the OBC category through Kunbi certification, Maratha dominance in OBC reserved seats in local civic bodies is anticipated.
Dominance of Marathas in Political Space
- MLAs from the Maratha community hold 45% of the seats in the Vidhan Sabha
- Since the 1980s, their share in the cabinet has always been more than 52%
- From 1960 to now, 20 CMs have been made in Maharashtra, of which 12 are from the Maratha community.
Whom do the Marathas traditionally vote for?
- In the 2014 elections, BJP got 24% and Shiv Sena got 30% Maratha votes
- In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena got 39% and BJP got 20% Maratha votes
- In the same year, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance got 57% Maratha votes in the Vidhan Sabha elections
Why OBCs has come together to Protest against Maratha Reservation ?
Union Minister Narayan Rane and prominent OBC leader & and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal have expressed dissatisfaction with the State government’s decision on the reservation issue.
On February 1, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Ajit Pawar faction leader Chhagan Bhujbal has announced protests and agitation outside the residences of MLAs, MPs, and tehsildars. On February 3, party is planning Maharashtra yatra. They have urged scheduled castes and scheduled tribes to join them in opposing the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category.
Sensing unrest within the OBC community, former CM Devendra Fadnavis responded quickly on January 26 itself, stating that OBCs would not face injustice. “I want to clarify that the government’s decision is not against OBCs. The issue was about solving problems in getting certificates for those with records and evidence. It was not about giving certificates to those without records and evidence. The government has only simplified the process,”.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole accused government of cheating both Marathas and OBC community. He pointed out that if reservation is given from the OBC quota, then government has failed to keep the promise of not violating the OBC quota.
Both Fadnavis and Pawar were absent when Shinde handed over the draft notification to Manoj Jarange Patil. This resulted in Shinde claiming credit for solving the issue of Maratha reservation, despite the presence of Maratha heavyweight Ajit Pawar in the cabinet.
Is Maratha reservation is just a poll plank ?
As per a report in Indian Express opposition terming it as poll plank. Opposition reveals that Maratha has to wait till 16 Feb for implementation of the notification. After that, it is likley to be challenged in court. Meanwhile, there would be model code of conduct for the general elections and then it will be back burner.
But with support that Jarange-Patil has gathered in Marathwada and his emotional connect, it is better that none of us point out to these lacunae,” a senior leader from the opposition said.