Maratha Quota Fire Ignites Shaniwarwada: BJP & Allies Keep Striking Distance

Pune’s historic Shaniwarwada, a fortress steeped in Maratha legacy, once again became the epicenter of a passionate agitation for Maratha reservation on Sunday, October 22, 2023. Organized by the resolute Maratha Kranti Morcha, the protest drew a significant crowd, yet what truly captivated political observers was the conspicuous absence of the ruling 'Mahayuti' alliance – comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

While prominent opposition figures from the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) actively participated, lending their support to the community's long-standing demands, the ruling coalition members maintained a strategic distance.

This clear political divide underscored the complex and sensitive nature of the Maratha reservation issue, which continues to challenge Maharashtra's political landscape.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader, had previously stated that the government was committed to providing Maratha reservation that would withstand legal scrutiny.

He emphasized that the matter was currently sub judice before the Supreme Court, implying a cautious approach to public protests. Similarly, other leaders from the ruling alliance, including CM Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, reiterated their focus on 'vikas' (development) and working towards a sustainable solution without directly engaging with the Shaniwarwada demonstration.

The Maratha Kranti Morcha, a powerful umbrella organization, reiterated its core demands: a comprehensive reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs, the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, and the withdrawal of all police cases filed against protestors during previous agitations.

The protestors' disciplined yet fervent calls echoed through the historic precincts, reminiscent of the massive 'mook morchas' (silent marches) that swept across Maharashtra in 2016-17.

The choice of Shaniwarwada, the erstwhile seat of the Peshwas, as the protest venue carried immense symbolic weight, connecting the current struggle to the glorious past of Maratha rule.

The agitation serves as a potent reminder to the government about the unfulfilled promises and the persistent aspirations of a large and influential community. As the political temperature rises, the ruling alliance faces the delicate task of balancing legal complexities, community demands, and electoral considerations ahead of upcoming elections, with their absence from Shaniwarwada likely to fuel further debate and scrutiny.