Is State Heading For A Caste War?

Maharashtra has always taken pride in its progressive tradition; however things may be about to change

- S BALAKRISHNAN

Maharashtra has always taken pride in its progressive tradition, with the state producing a slew of social reformers, such as Dr BR Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Karamveer Bhaurao Patil.

However, right now the state is facing the prospect of a caste war. Soon after the meeting of I.N.D.I.A alliance got over, the Marathas revived their agitation for reservation in government jobs and education. They did this fully knowing that there is precious little that the state government can do in view of the Supreme Court's judgment of 1993 fixing a cap of 50% in reservations.

The apex court had also outright rejected on May 5, 2021, a plea by the state government for 12% to 13% reservation for Marathas. The government's review plea was turned down by the court on April 11, 2023. Senior NCP leader Sharad Pawar and others backed the stir, which started in Jalna, with Manoj Maratha activist Jarande-Patil going on a hunger strike.