As the Maratha community intensifies its agitation for reservation in jobs and education, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra is working tirelessly to secure the backing of smaller caste groups. Drawing from its playbook in Haryana, where it recently won a third consecutive election, the BJP is now focusing on consolidating the support of marginalized and smaller communities across the state.
With growing opposition from the dominant Maratha community, the BJP has quietly shifted its attention to solidifying ties with less politically influential caste groups. To achieve this, the party has pushed for the creation of numerous state corporations aimed at benefiting these communities. The Maharashtra Cabinet recently approved the establishment of 18 such corporations, representing various communities, including Brahmins, Jains, and Rajputs, as well as lesser-known groups like the Sonars, Vishyas, and Lonaris.
In a bid to bolster support among these groups, the state government has also allocated budgetary support for these corporations. This move follows the establishment of corporations last year for other communities, such as the Lingayats, Vadars, Guravs, Kumbhars, and Ramoshis. The BJP, along with its ruling alliance partners, is leaving no stone unturned to cement its standing among smaller caste communities, as the party navigates the complex social dynamics at play.
Maratha Quota Crisis: BJP Under Pressure
The BJP’s strategic pivot comes as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil continues his campaign, specifically targeting Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the reservation issue. Jarange-Patil, who commands a significant following among the youth in Marathwada, has remained a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the Maratha reservation demand. His consistent pressure has made it difficult for the BJP to retain support among the Maratha community, prompting the party to broaden its appeal to other caste groups.
In response, the BJP has been positioning itself as a protector of the interests of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and marginalized groups, attempting to turn the narrative in its favor. One of the more notable recent announcements came from Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, who heads the Cabinet subcommittee on Maratha reservation. Patil announced the creation of a separate corporation specifically for Maratha youths in the Marathwada region, a move seen as an attempt to ease tensions within the community.
Strategy to Garner Support from Smaller Castes
The BJP’s efforts to consolidate smaller caste groups have not gone unnoticed. By announcing welfare corporations for a wide range of communities, the party is positioning itself as a champion of inclusivity and development, ensuring that even lesser-known caste groups receive government support. While the Maratha agitation remains a pressing challenge, the BJP hopes that its outreach to these marginalized groups will help balance the scales and solidify its voter base ahead of upcoming elections.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra remains fluid, the BJP’s efforts to reach out to non-dominant caste groups could prove crucial in maintaining its influence and ensuring electoral success. However, with the Maratha quota issue still unresolved, the party will need to navigate these tensions carefully, balancing the demands of the dominant Maratha community with the expectations of smaller caste groups.