Will Maratha Agitation Destabilise Fadnavis Govt?

The unprecedented turnout in Mumbai from various parts of the state to back Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil has generated extreme political heat. His opponents have made allegations that the agitation triggered by the proponent of Maratha caste’s demand for reservations is actually aimed at destabilising the government of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The name of deputy CM Ajit Pawar has been dragged into this attack, which was launched by OBC leader Lakshman Hake. From the beginning Hake has been leading the opposition to Jarange’s agitation. The presence of a handful MLAs belonging to Pawar’s NCP at Jarange’s demonstration in south Mumbai on Friday has unsettled the OBC community. In a retort, OBC leaders have warned the government that they, too, will bring hordes of their supporters to Mumbai to rebut the stir started by Jarange. Reiterating his stand, Fadnavis said the agitations against his government were taking place since ‘resources’ were provided to them. He did not spell out any names but said, “We are committed to providing social justice and have already granted 10% reservation to the Maratha caste.” The gravity of Hake’s charge has increased since it concerns a Mahayuti partner, the NCP of Ajit Pawar. Although Hake has not elaborated on his statement, there is a caste undertone to it as the NCP is seen, by and large, a party of the Marathas. Incidentally, both deputy CMs of Maharashtra – Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar – are Marathas.