Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has called on the central government to introduce a constitutional amendment to increase the reservation cap to 75%. This would allow more communities, including Marathas, to receive reservation benefits in education and government jobs.
Reference to Tamil Nadu’s 69% Quota
Pawar pointed to Tamil Nadu’s 1990 move to increase reservation to 69% for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward classes, urging a similar approach for Maharashtra. He stressed that changes in Parliament are needed to exceed the Supreme Court’s current 50% cap.
Maratha Quota Row Intensifies
The Maratha community, led by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, is becoming increasingly vocal in its demand for inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. However, OBC activists are opposing the sharing of their 27% quota, adding tension to the upcoming assembly elections.
Need for Constitutional Amendment
Pawar believes raising the reservation limit by 25% could resolve these issues, ensuring fair allocation for all communities. He emphasized that a constitutional amendment is the only way to make this possible.
Political Implications for Maharashtra Elections
The unresolved Maratha-OBC reservation issue could impact the performance of political parties, with other groups like Dhangars and Lingayats also protesting for reservations. Pawar’s proposal could play a significant role in shaping the political landscape.
Return of BJP and Ajit Pawar Leaders to NCP
Pawar also addressed the return of leaders from the BJP and Ajit Pawar’s faction to his party, welcoming them back ahead of the assembly polls. “They realized their mistake and decided to return,” he said.
This growing political drama adds a critical dimension to the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.
