Maratha march: Parties adopt wait and watch approach

Mumbai, Oct 2: The 'silent marches' taken out by Maratha Kranti Morcha around Maharashtra to highlight demands like reservation in jobs and education have created ripples in state politics, with major players adopting a "wait and watch" approach to see if the massive mobilisation will eventually assume electoral dimensions.

Observers say that all main parties -- BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP - are unnerved by the huge success of the rallies, highlighting demands like reservation in job and education, though the immediate trigger being the rape and murder of a girl from the community at Kopardi in Ahmednagar.

They, however, feel it is too early to jump to the conclusion that the movement will lead to political changes. According to Venkatesh Patil, journalist and author of "Maratha reservation- role and reality", the campaign is an opportunity for BJP to consolidate its Maratha vote base by bringing the community under the ambit of reservation.

"It is not to say Maratha leaders of congress or NCP have not done anything. The present ruling leadership cannot wash off its hands.

The BJP is wasting the opportunity if it fails to turn the situation in its advantage," Patil told PTI. "A Brahmin Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis) addressing the grievances of the Maratha community is a good message in the long run. BJP should also groom a Maratha leader with a good mass base," he said.

Patil observes that the "silent and disciplined agitation" has given a new model for the state about how a non-violent morcha can be mobilised. Instead of dismissing it as politically-motivated, the government should see the wider social issues raised by the movement, he said.

The issue will not be resolved until there is a constitutional amendment (to the quota regime) and Marathas are included as OBCs. "Right now, political parties cannot touch SC/ST/OBC quota and the government is unlikely to consider the demand going by the constitutional provisions," Patil said.

As per the Supreme Court ruling, reservation cannot exceed 50 per cent and at present the state has 52 per cent reservation, he said. Shiv Sena's stand of economic reservation has incensed the Maratha Kranti Morcha, Patil said.

"There is a feeling that the Sena's stand is to ensure Marathas do not get reservations. There is no constitutional provision for economic reservation and even if it is given it will not the legal scrutiny," he said, adding this approach can cost it politically.

PTI