Mumbai: Central government is set to approve the inclusion of over 15 castes in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, a development that could have a far-reaching impact in the upcoming elections.
Maharashtra State Backward Classes Commission recently held two meetings to discuss the matter and a list of more than 15 castes was submitted by the state government to the commission. The commission has now forwarded this list to the central government for approval.
Approval process
According to sources, a formal proposal regarding this inclusion is expected to be presented in cabinet meeting on Thursday. Once approved, it is likely that an ordinance will be issued, speeding up the process of adding these castes to the OBC category. If the central government grants its approval based on the recommendations of the Backward Classes Commission and the demands of the state government, it will be a major development just ahead of the elections.
This move could significantly strengthen the alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, making it even harder for the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to challenge them in the upcoming polls. This strategic inclusion of castes in the OBC category could serve as a political masterstroke, further boosting the victory prospects of the BJP-led Mahayuti.
Which castes could be included?
TV9 Bharatvarsh accessed a list of the castes that are likely to be included in the OBC category. According to sources, the following castes are part of the proposed list:
- Badgujar
- Suryavanshi Gujar
- Leve Gujar
- Rewe Gujar
- Rewa Gujar
- Powar
- Bhoyar
- Pawar
- Kapewar
- Munnar Kapewar
- Munnar Kapu
- Telanga
- Telangi
- Pentarreddi
- Rukekari
- Lodh
- Lodha
- Lodhi
- Dangri
These castes, once included in the OBC list, will benefit from various government schemes and reservations, further uplifting their social and economic status.
Political implications
If this inclusion is finalised, it will not only benefit the communities involved but could also provide a major electoral advantage to the BJP and its allies in Maharashtra.
For Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes parties like the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), this move could present a major challenge.
