Mumbai: Concerned about the growing rift between Maratha and OBC communities over reservation issues, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar called for urgent dialogue to pacify the situation. He suggested that the Eknath Shinde government hold talks with Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and OBC leaders to resolve the issue.
“It is disturbing that a few districts in Marathwada have posed against each other over the reservation issue which has led to an unprecedented rift between Maratha and OBC communities. I learned that members from both communities are boycotting hotels and other establishments run by the other. This is disturbing,” said Pawar during his tour of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad).
Addressing Local Tensions
Pawar plans to visit affected areas like Beed and Jalna to engage with the communities directly. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the bitterness and misunderstanding between the two groups, which he deemed dangerous. He also noted that the process for talks over the quota issue seems to have begun, but stressed the need for the chief minister to engage all stakeholders comprehensively.
Maratha Activist’s Demands
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has been demanding the implementation of a draft notification that recognizes Kunbis as ‘sage soyare’ (blood relatives) of Marathas, thus allowing them to be included under the OBC category. However, OBC leaders, including Chhagan Bhujbal, have stressed that their quota should not be diluted.
Government’s Role
Pawar shared his feedback with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who appeared favorable to initiating dialogue. “The government should call Maratha activist Manoj Jarange, (minister) Chhagan Bhujbal, Laxman Hake, and others committed to OBC reservation for talks,” he said.
Political Reactions
While Shinde has urged unity to resolve the issue, his ally, the BJP, criticized Pawar. Senior BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil accused Pawar of politicizing the issue, questioning what actions Pawar took regarding Maratha reservation during his tenure as Maharashtra’s chief minister.
Maratha activist Jarange-Patil accused both ruling and opposition parties of “fooling the Maratha community” by engaging in talks instead of making decisive actions.
Future of MVA Alliance
Regarding seat-sharing among the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, Pawar mentioned that discussions will take place after the current session of Parliament. He suggested that Left parties should also be considered in the upcoming assembly polls.
Party Dynamics
In a related development, NCP’s MLC Babajani Durrani rejoined the Sharad Pawar-led faction. Pawar stated that only leaders aligned with their ideology would be considered for re-induction, excluding those who took extreme stands during the split.
