Quota politics of divide and rule

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 helpThe 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 reservationAcross Maharashtra from small talukas to big districts and cities streets are now filled with rallies processions and even hunger strikes All demanding one thing mdash reservationDhangars 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 shareSadly 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 quotaSuch is the situation that villages where communities have lived in peace for generations are now witnessing tensions old grudges surfacing solely over reservationQuota politics is pulling communities apart Many experts see the implementation of the Mandal Commission as a turning point for the reservation issue The Maratha communityrsquos demand intensified in early 2000 when the Kunbi an agrarian subcaste was officially granted OBC status Of the 12 crore plus population in Maharashtra 28 per cent are Maratha while 53 per cent are OBCDespite 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 limitsMaharashtra 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 centMaharashtra 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 rivalriesAs 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 onersquos own communityPolitical parties mdash instead of coming together to find an amicable solution to the problem mdash are milking the situation as they look at this divide in communities as an opportunity to create a vote bankWhen the ruling regime the BJPled Maharashtra government called for an allparty meeting on the Maratha reservation issue the Opposition remained absent from the discussionIdeally one would expect leaders to seek votes on the basis of vision and development Instead they are asking for votes in the name of casteChief Minister Devendra Fadnavisrsquos reaction clearly speaks about political posturing Last week Fadnavis claimed that the government decision had not touched or altered any quota adding ldquobut if anyone still wants to play politics over it what can be saidrdquoAccording to media reports OBC strongman and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal has openly urged the community to ldquoteach lessonsrdquo to Maratha leaders backing quota activist Manoj JarangeOn 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 progressFor now such parties may see shortterm gain in the form of popularity and electoral votes But in the long run will certainly erode social trustEveryone 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 reservationPhule fought for education Shahu Maharaj sought to break caste monopolies in Kolhapur and Ambedkarrsquos cause was to bring equality and dignityIf 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 togetherAlong 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 repairSanjeev Shivadekar is political editor midday He tweets SanjeevShivadekSend your feedback to mailbagmiddaycomThe views expressed in this column are the individualrsquos and donrsquot represent those of the paper