In this blog, we will explore why this statement has become necessary.
We will look at the history of how the Maratha community faced setbacks from left-wing and right-wing movements from 1950 to 2025. From Punjabrao Deshmukh, Annasaheb Patil, and Vinayak Mete to Jarange Patil, we will analyze the efforts to secure reservation for the Maratha community. This includes individuals like Balasaheb Sarate and Vinod Patil, who filed petitions in court for Maratha reservation. Despite repeated attempts, state governments’ indifference and the unity of anti-Maratha groups have consistently deprived Marathas of their rightful OBC reservation.
Political Exploitation of the Maratha Community
The displaced Maratha community initially aligned with Sharad Pawar, later with Shiv Sena on the issue of renaming initiatives. Sharad Pawar used the Maratha community as a “bread in the basket,” while Shiv Sena mobilized them against Muslims under the guise of Hindutva. After 2014, disillusioned with Sharad Pawar and Congress, the Marathas turned to the BJP. However, the reservation granted by Devendra Fadnavis in 2018 was struck down in the Supreme Court, leaving the Maratha community disappointed again.
During this period, the lack of reservation significantly impacted the Maratha community over 3-4 generations. The absence of educational reservation, reduced open category seats, high fees, and merit-based lists created a situation where the community was sidelined. Between 1990 and 2019, globalization policies further worsened the agricultural sector. Additionally, land ceiling laws introduced by Indira Gandhi and the fragmentation of agricultural land left the Maratha community reeling.
Searching for Leadership
As the younger generation became aware of these realities, the Marathas sought leadership that would truly represent their interests. Late Vinayak Mete was one such leader, but his influence remained limited outside Marathwada.
The lack of impactful decisions in favor of the Maratha community is evident. For instance:
- In 2001, former Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde proposed issuing OBC certificates to “Maratha-Kunbi” and “Kunbi-Maratha” groups. However, this did not lead to concrete results.
- Various committees and commissions came and went, some supporting Maratha reservation and others opposing it.
Prominent leaders like Sharad Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal consistently advocated for “separate reservation” for Marathas rather than inclusion under OBC, weakening the cause.
The Opposition Within
The opposition to Maratha reservation often came from within. Leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Gopinath Munde, Raosaheb Kasbe, and Hari Narke systematically undermined the Maratha community’s reservation efforts.
Raosaheb Kasbe’s infamous statement provides a glaring example:
“When Ashok Chavan was the Chief Minister, the process for including Marathas under OBC was almost complete. Two meetings had already taken place. However, in the third meeting, I (Kasbe) was appointed to the Backward Classes Commission, and my single opposing vote ensured that Marathas were not included in OBC. I deliberately blocked it.”
Link to the video
This incident highlights how leaders like Sharad Pawar and Ashok Chavan failed to actively support the Maratha community in securing reservations.
Reports and Commissions
The Khatri Commission (1995–2004)
The Khatri Commission was established in 1995 and submitted its report in 2004. This report played a crucial role in the Maratha reservation movement.
The Gaikwad Commission (2018)
After 53 silent marches in 2018, Devendra Fadnavis formed the Gaikwad Commission. This commission declared that Marathas and Kunbis are the same community, presenting 126 pieces of evidence and dedicating 30 pages to this conclusion. However, instead of including Marathas under OBC, Fadnavis introduced a separate SEBC reservation, raising questions about his intent.
The Shinde Committee (2024)
The Shinde Committee, appointed by Eknath Shinde, worked for nearly a year to trace historical records and issued around 800,000 Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community. While this number is expected to rise, it raises concerns about whether these efforts are sufficient.
A Long History of Betrayal
Maratha leaders like Sharad Pawar, Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, Vikhe Patil, Thorat, Mohite Patil, and others have shown a consistent lack of action. Despite multiple commissions and reports, Marathas have been betrayed repeatedly.
As a popular Marathi saying goes:
“The entire village is my uncle, yet none is of any use!”
This is the story of how Marathas, despite their rightful claims, continue to face challenges in securing reservations. The efforts of leaders like Jarange Patil stand as a beacon of hope for the community.
Finally, Jarange Patil is the right choice for Marathas!
In this blog, we will explore why this statement has become necessary.
We will look at the history of how the Maratha community faced setbacks from left-wing and right-wing movements from 1950 to 2025. From Punjabrao Deshmukh, Annasaheb Patil, and Vinayak Mete to Jarange Patil, we will analyze the efforts to secure reservation for the Maratha community. This includes individuals like Balasaheb Sarate and Vinod Patil, who filed petitions in court for Maratha reservation. Despite repeated attempts, state governments’ indifference and the unity of anti-Maratha groups have consistently deprived Marathas of their rightful OBC reservation.
Political Exploitation of the Maratha Community
The displaced Maratha community initially aligned with Sharad Pawar, later with Shiv Sena on the issue of renaming initiatives. Sharad Pawar used the Maratha community as a “bread in the basket,” while Shiv Sena mobilized them against Muslims under the guise of Hindutva. After 2014, disillusioned with Sharad Pawar and Congress, the Marathas turned to the BJP. However, the reservation granted by Devendra Fadnavis in 2018 was struck down in the Supreme Court, leaving the Maratha community disappointed again.
During this period, the lack of reservation significantly impacted the Maratha community over 3-4 generations. The absence of educational reservation, reduced open category seats, high fees, and merit-based lists created a situation where the community was sidelined. Between 1990 and 2019, globalization policies further worsened the agricultural sector. Additionally, land ceiling laws introduced by Indira Gandhi and the fragmentation of agricultural land left the Maratha community reeling.
Searching for Leadership
As the younger generation became aware of these realities, the Marathas sought leadership that would truly represent their interests. Late Vinayak Mete was one such leader, but his influence remained limited outside Marathwada.
The lack of impactful decisions in favor of the Maratha community is evident. For instance:
- In 2001, former Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde proposed issuing OBC certificates to “Maratha-Kunbi” and “Kunbi-Maratha” groups. However, this did not lead to concrete results.
- Various committees and commissions came and went, some supporting Maratha reservation and others opposing it.
Prominent leaders like Sharad Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal consistently advocated for “separate reservation” for Marathas rather than inclusion under OBC, weakening the cause.
The Opposition Within
The opposition to Maratha reservation often came from within. Leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Gopinath Munde, Raosaheb Kasbe, and Hari Narke systematically undermined the Maratha community’s reservation efforts.
Raosaheb Kasbe’s infamous statement provides a glaring example:
“When Ashok Chavan was the Chief Minister, the process for including Marathas under OBC was almost complete. Two meetings had already taken place. However, in the third meeting, I (Kasbe) was appointed to the Backward Classes Commission, and my single opposing vote ensured that Marathas were not included in OBC. I deliberately blocked it.”
Link to the video
This incident highlights how leaders like Sharad Pawar and Ashok Chavan failed to actively support the Maratha community in securing reservations.
Reports and Commissions
The Khatri Commission (1995–2004)
The Khatri Commission was established in 1995 and submitted its report in 2004. This report played a crucial role in the Maratha reservation movement.
The Gaikwad Commission (2018)
After 53 silent marches in 2018, Devendra Fadnavis formed the Gaikwad Commission. This commission declared that Marathas and Kunbis are the same community, presenting 126 pieces of evidence and dedicating 30 pages to this conclusion. However, instead of including Marathas under OBC, Fadnavis introduced a separate SEBC reservation, raising questions about his intent.
The Shinde Committee (2024)
The Shinde Committee, appointed by Eknath Shinde, worked for nearly a year to trace historical records and issued around 800,000 Kunbi certificates to the Maratha community. While this number is expected to rise, it raises concerns about whether these efforts are sufficient.
A Long History of Betrayal
Maratha leaders like Sharad Pawar, Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, Vikhe Patil, Thorat, Mohite Patil, and others have shown a consistent lack of action. Despite multiple commissions and reports, Marathas have been betrayed repeatedly.
As a popular Marathi saying goes:
“The entire village is my uncle, yet none is of any use!”
This is the story of how Marathas, despite their rightful claims, continue to face challenges in securing reservations. The efforts of leaders like Jarange Patil stand as a beacon of hope for the community.