Quota politics of divide and rule

Across Maharashtra, streets are now filled with rallies, processions and even hunger strikes. All demanding one thing — reservation. Representation Pic/Shadab Khan

Reservation, as conceptualised by Dr BR Ambedkar, was meant to reduce inequality. But, instead of bridging the gap, it seems to have only spawned rivalry between the very communities it was supposed to help.

The latest Maharashtra Government Resolution (GR) allows entries found in the Hyderabad gazette to be considered for issuing Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, provided they submit proof of their Other Backward Class (OBC) lineage. But the move has had a domino effect. Several other communities have come forward demanding their share of reservation.

Across Maharashtra, from small talukas to big districts and cities, streets are now filled with rallies, processions, and even hunger strikes. All demanding one thing - reservation.

Dhangars have started a protest asking for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Banjara community and the Kolis (fisher folk), too, want the same thing. But, these demands are met with stiff resistance and protests by other communities, who fear any new inclusion will reduce their own share.

Sadly, instead of reducing the inequality gap, reservation is spilling into fresh rivalries. The state is witnessing communities locked in battles for their own share of the quota.

Such is the situation that villages where communities have lived in peace for generations are now witnessing tensions; old grudges surfacing solely over reservation.

Quota politics is pulling communities apart. Many experts see the implementation of the Mandal Commission as a turning point for the reservation issue. The Maratha community's demand intensified in early 2000 when the Kunbi (an agrarian sub-caste) was officially granted OBC status. Of the 12 crore plus population in Maharashtra, 28 per cent are Maratha, while 53 per cent are OBC.

Despite having a ceiling of 50 per cent for reservation, in many states, including Maharashtra, the ceiling has been breached. Yet, political promises continue to stretch the limits.

Maharashtra currently has 52 per cent reservation for SC, ST, Vimukt Jati, Nomadic Tribes and OBC. In addition, a 10 per cent reservation for Marathas (socially and economically backward class) takes the total reservation to 62 per cent.

Maharashtra has always been referred to as the land of reformers. History reminds us how several stalwart reformists and leaders, including Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj and Dr BR Ambedkar, fought to break the caste system and barriers and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the marginalised. The goal was inclusion and not rivalries.

As political parties have changed the definition of reforms, reservation is now being seen as one of the major elements that defines electoral issues. Even if anything is framed as justice, the bigger motive is what about one's own community.

Political parties - instead of coming together to find an amicable solution to the problem - are milking the situation as they look at this divide in communities as an opportunity to create a vote bank.

When the ruling regime (the BJP-led Maharashtra government) called for an all-party meeting on the Maratha reservation issue, the Opposition remained absent from the discussion.

Ideally one would expect leaders to seek votes on the basis of vision and development. Instead, they are asking for votes in the name of caste.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's reaction clearly speaks about political posturing. Last week, Fadnavis claimed that the government decision had not touched or altered any quota, adding, "but if anyone still wants to play politics over it, what can be said?"

According to media reports, OBC strongman and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal has openly urged the community to "teach lessons" to Maratha leaders backing quota activist Manoj Jarange.

On the other hand, Jarange has instructed all Marathas to ensure the defeat of OBC leaders opposing their demand. A clear indication that society continues to prioritise caste over policy and progress.

For now, such parties may see short-term gain in the form of popularity and electoral votes. But, in the long run will certainly erode social trust.

Everyone in society will need to be taken into confidence and remember that reservation is not the only path to progress or quality life. Creating more employment, education and job opportunities, too, are needed along with quota if society has to see results and changes due to reservation.

Phule fought for education, Shahu Maharaj sought to break caste monopolies in Kolhapur, and Ambedkar's cause was to bring equality and dignity.

If Maharashtra wishes to retain its tag of reformist state, then the time has come for all political parties, community leaders, organisations and civil society to come together.

Along with reservation, making education affordable, improving its quality and ensuring its wide access to everyone, working on upgrading skills of youth, addressing unemployment issues by providing more opportunities are options for the state to rediscover the vision and spirit of reform. If ignored, the gap will widen, rivalries between communities will rise, and social fabric will be torn beyond repair.

Sanjeev Shivadekar is political editor, mid-day. He tweets @SanjeevShivadek
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