Reservation Rift Deepens: Maratha Families Pull Children from OBC School in Escalating Protest

A palpable wave of tension is sweeping through Dharashiv, Maharashtra, as the Maratha community takes a drastic step in its ongoing battle for reservation. In a powerful display of protest, families have begun withdrawing their children from an OBC-managed institution, the Swami Vivekanand School, amplifying their long-standing demands and signaling a deepening rift in the state's social fabric.

This isn't merely a local dispute; it's a strategically calculated move designed to exert immense pressure on the Maharashtra government.

The community feels betrayed and ignored, believing their pleas for reservation have fallen on deaf ears or been met with insufficient action. The withdrawal of students from the school, run by the Backward Class Education Society, is a direct response to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's recent assertion that the government would not compromise on OBC quotas, effectively closing a door many Marathas felt was finally opening.

The protest, initiated on Friday, saw at least 22 students formally withdrawn on the first day, a number that community leaders vow will swell significantly in the coming days.

Ramesh Gade, a prominent activist from the Maratha community, articulated the raw frustration: "We have taken this decision as the state government is not responding to our demands of reservation from the OBC quota. The government is playing with our sentiments. We are ready to make any sacrifice for reservation." This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, fueled by a sense of injustice and a fierce determination to secure their rightful place.

The emotional gravity of the situation was further underscored by Kalbhairavnath Maharaj, who emphasized the sacrifices being made.

"We understand the difficulties our children might face, but this is a battle for our future generations. We are prepared for any outcome and stand firm in our resolve," he stated. The withdrawal extends beyond the 22 students, with plans to remove all 120 Maratha students from the school if the government remains unresponsive, a move that would undoubtedly cripple the institution financially and educationally.

The school management, naturally, finds itself in an unenviable position.

Principal Santosh Mane acknowledged the withdrawals, stating, "So far, 22 students have been withdrawn. If all the 120 students are withdrawn, it will surely affect the school financially." The ripple effect of such an exodus would be profound, impacting teachers, resources, and the overall stability of the school.

This local action in Dharashiv is part of a broader, more organized strategy spearheaded by Maratha activists across the state.

The 'Ek Gaon Ek Shala' (One Village One School) campaign advocates for similar withdrawals in other districts, threatening to replicate the Dharashiv model if their demands are not met. This coordinated effort indicates a strong, unified front, determined to escalate their protest until they achieve their goals.

The core of the dispute lies in the Maratha community's demand for reservation under the OBC category, a move fiercely opposed by existing OBC groups who fear their quotas will be diluted.

The government finds itself in a precarious balancing act, attempting to appease both powerful communities without alienating either. However, with actions like the school withdrawals, the stakes are rapidly rising, transforming a political debate into a deeply personal struggle with immediate consequences for families and educational institutions alike.

The coming days will reveal whether this escalating form of protest can finally break the deadlock and compel a resolution to Maharashtra's contentious reservation issue.