Title: The Complex Politics of Maratha Reservation in Maharashtra By Dr Kiran Kakade

Source: https://india.postsen.com

Introduction

As the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections draw near, the intricate politics surrounding Maratha reservation has once again taken center stage in Maharashtra politics. Recent events, including renewed aggression and violence in Jalna district, have sparked high-level inquiries to identify those responsible. The presence of senior politicians making personal visits to Manoj Jarange Patil, who is on a week-long indefinite fast in Antarwali Sarathi village, Jalna district, speaks volumes about the significance of this issue.

Who are the Marathas?

The Marathas constitute a diverse group of castes, including peasants and landowners, making up approximately 33 percent of Maharashtra’s population. While most Marathas are Marathi-speaking, it’s essential to note that not all Marathi speakers belong to the Maratha community. Historically, the Marathas have been recognized as a ‘warrior’ caste with substantial landholdings. Since the formation of Maharashtra state in 1960, 12 out of 20 chief ministers have hailed from the Maratha community. Despite the challenges posed by land divisions and agrarian issues over the years, the Maratha community continues to play a vital role in the rural economy.

The Demand for Reservation

The Marathas have been advocating for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for several decades. The first protest in this regard took place 32 years ago, led by Mathadi Labour Union leader Annasaheb Patil in Mumbai. Since 1981, the issue of Maratha reservation has been a recurrent theme in Maharashtra politics, fueling mass protests. This demand for reservation stems from historical social discrimination within Hindu society.

Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, recognizing the severity of social discrimination, took the pioneering step of introducing constitutional provisions for reservation in the state and the private sector in July 1902. This was a groundbreaking move, marking one of the first instances where a state ruler actively implemented social justice policies. The basis for this reservation was the deeply entrenched caste system and its discriminatory practices upheld by religious texts. Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj sought to eliminate this brutality and promote social equality by excluding privileged castes and classes who had benefitted from the caste system.

The Ongoing Challenge

Despite several attempts, Maharashtra, a state historically dominated by Marathas, has failed to find a lasting solution to the Maratha reservation issue. The issue resurfaced prominently during the tenure of the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government between 2014 and 2019.

Before the 2014 Assembly elections, the Prithviraj Chavan-led government introduced an ordinance granting 16 percent reservation to Marathas in government jobs and education, based on the recommendations of the Narayan Rane Committee.

In 2016, the tragic Kopardi rape and murder case galvanized the Maratha community, leading to well-organized protests under the Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj. The protests, which turned violent in 2017-18, prompted the Fadnavis government to take concrete measures. In November 2018, the government approved reservation for Marathas under the Socially and Educationally Backward Class Act, based on the findings of the Backward Class Commission headed by M G Gaikwad. This move gave the BJP a political advantage over its rivals.

Current Political Landscape

Now, nearly five years later, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis finds himself once again at the center of Maratha quota politics, this time as the target of his political opponents. The Congress, NCP (led by Sharad Pawar), and Shiv Sena (under Uddhav Thackeray) have joined forces to scrutinize the Eknath Shinde-led coalition government’s handling of the Maratha reservation issue.

Unlike the Fadnavis era, where an upper-caste CM led the state, the current administration sees both CM Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar belonging to the Maratha community. This shift in leadership dynamics adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political battle.

High Court Verdict in 2019

In June 2019, the Bombay High Court upheld the constitutional validity of Maratha quota under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018. However, the HC reduced the quota from 16 percent to 12 percent in education and 13 percent in government jobs, aligning it with the recommendations of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission. The HC also emphasized that the total reservation should not exceed 50 percent, except under exceptional circumstances.

The HC’s decision relied heavily on the comprehensive findings of the 11-member Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, which conclusively established the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Maratha community and their underrepresentation in public employment.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

In May 2021, the Supreme Court, led by Justice Ashok Bhushan, struck down the provisions of Maharashtra law providing reservation to the Maratha community. This decision exceeded the 50 percent ceiling set by the court in its 1992 Indra Sawhney (Mandal) judgment. However, in November 2022, the SC upheld a 10 percent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in Maharashtra. As a result, economically disadvantaged members of the Maratha community can benefit from the EWS quota until a resolution to the Maratha reservation issue is reached.

Conclusion

The Maratha reservation issue in Maharashtra is a complex and deeply rooted political challenge that has persisted for decades. It reflects not only the historical social injustices but also the evolving political landscape of the state. With changing alliances and leadership dynamics, the future of Maratha politics and its impact on administration remain uncertain. The issue serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in addressing historical injustices through reservation policies and the delicate balance required to ensure equitable representation while adhering to legal limitations set by the judiciary. As Maharashtra heads into crucial elections, the resolution of the Maratha reservation issue is likely to remain a prominent topic in the state’s political discourse.