Mumbai is poised to become the battleground for a reservation conflict on January 20 next year, as both the Maratha and Other Backward Class (OBC) communities have announced rallies on the same day. Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil is set to move his reservation protest to Mumbai, organizing a massive rally in the city. While Maratha outfits have formally sought police permission, the venue is yet to be finalized, with contenders including Shivaji Park, Bandra Kurla Complex, and Azad Maidan.
“The state government should come out with a formula to resolve the reservation issue. We want Maratha reservation within the OBC category,” emphasized Jarange-Patil.
In response, OBC outfits in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, are planning protests. The OBC Jan Morcha has sought police permission for a rally at Azad Maidan on January 20. OBC Jan Morcha president Prakash Shendge stated, “Our rally is for OBC rights. We vehemently oppose reservation of Marathas in the OBC category. Marathas should get separate reservation, and OBC reservation should remain intact. We will not allow its dilution at any cost.”
OBC Mahasangh president Babanrao Taywade emphasized that the fight was for OBC rights. “We are not against Maratha reservation, but Jarange-Patil is seeking reservation within OBC quota, which is not acceptable to us,” he added.
With Jarange-Patil’s December 24 deadline for Maratha reservation expiring, the state government has requested more time, citing an ongoing process. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated, “The state government is doing everything possible to ensure Maratha reservation.” Shinde has called for a special session in February 2024 to find a workable formula for Maratha reservation.
The government is hopeful that the Supreme Court’s curative petition hearing on January 24 will be a step forward. The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission is working to provide empirical data to establish the backwardness of Marathas.