In preparation for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is implementing a strategic approach to reinforce its Other Backward Classes (OBC) vote bank amid growing dissent from the Maratha community. This initiative involves extensive social engineering tactics aimed at securing a foothold in key constituencies.
A senior BJP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the party has pinpointed 175 constituencies where they are launching comprehensive micro-management and outreach programs targeting OBC communities. The focus is not solely on larger OBC groups but also on smaller, less prominent segments that possess significant electoral influence in their respective areas.
The Mahayuti government has taken notable steps to broaden its appeal among OBC voters. This includes adding seven new OBC castes to the central OBC list and increasing the creamy layer threshold for eligibility from an annual income of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. The newly included castes are: Lodh, Badgujar, Suryavanshi Gujar, Dangari, Leve Gujar, Kapewar, and Telangana. The BJP aims to strengthen its presence in border constituencies across Vidarbha, northern Maharashtra, and Marathwada through these outreach efforts.
Historically, the BJP relied on the MADHAV formula, representing the Mali, Dhangar, and Vanjari communities, to consolidate its OBC base. However, with changing demographic dynamics and an influx of Maratha leaders into the party ranks, the BJP recognizes the necessity of expanding its OBC coalition to encompass a wider array of communities.
The BJP’s evolution from being perceived as an upper-caste party to one that integrates diverse caste identities has been significant. The party has successfully attracted Maratha leaders since the mid-1990s, but the recent agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil for Maratha reservations has intensified the caste conflict, potentially jeopardizing the BJP’s Maratha support base.
Prakash Shendge, president of the BJP OBC Manch, emphasized that Jarange-Patil’s campaign for Maratha reservations within the OBC quota has sparked unrest among OBC communities. He indicated that in the forthcoming elections, the dynamics between OBC and Maratha voters will heavily influence outcomes, with voters likely aligning along caste lines.
The political landscape in Maharashtra is further complicated by the lack of a clear anti-incumbency sentiment, as both the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Mahayuti coalitions have held power in recent years. Voter behavior will largely depend on how effectively each alliance can navigate the complexities of caste politics to consolidate their support.
Prakash Ambedkar, president of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, remarked on the rising polarization between Maratha and OBC communities, warning that the escalating tensions could destabilize the social fabric of Maharashtra. He noted the dominance of Marathas in the political sphere, with over half of the candidates in the 2019 Assembly polls being Marathas.
In Vidarbha, where Maratha influence is minimal, the electoral contest will focus on OBC communities, making the realignment of these groups crucial for both the Mahayuti and MVA coalitions. The Congress party, under Nana Patole, is banking on a coalition of Kunbhi, Dalit, and Muslim voters, while the BJP is targeting a broader spectrum of OBCs, including Teli, Banjara, Pawar, and others.
The Dhangar community, which comprises around 9% of Maharashtra’s population, is also a significant factor in the elections. The BJP previously secured support from Dhangars, who are now reawakening their demand for reservation within the Scheduled Tribe category. The party faces challenges in maintaining this voter base, especially after the departure of Dhangar leader Mahadev Jankar from the Mahayuti alliance.
State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule asserted that the government has made substantial progress for OBC welfare, citing the provision of reservations for Marathas initiated during Devendra Fadnavis’s tenure. However, the current situation remains contentious, with Jarange-Patil’s rejection of the reservation under the OBC category adding another layer of complexity to the electoral dynamics.
As the elections approach, the BJP’s ability to unify various OBC communities and navigate the intricate caste landscape will be pivotal in determining its electoral success in Maharashtra.
