3 Things Maratha quota stir, K Kavitha resigns, and a Kerala farmer's fight
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Sep 4, 2025 In this discussion, Shubhangi Khapre, a reporter for The Indian Express specializing in Maharashtra, dives into the Maratha community's long-standing struggle for reservation rights, spotlighting a fresh government action. Nikhila Henry, also from The Indian Express, unpacks the political crisis stemming from K Kavitha's resignation from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi amid family disputes. Lastly, the episode highlights a determined Kerala farmer fighting to protect his land from a major mall project, emphasizing ongoing agricultural and environmental challenges.
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Historic And Political Roots Of Maratha Demand
- The Maratha quota demand has long roots and a recent legal setback from the Supreme Court complicated it.
- The community's size and influence make reservation politics uniquely fraught in Maharashtra.
Hyderabad Gazette As A Documentary Route
- The government accepted a 1918 Hyderabad Gazette that lists Marathas of Marathwada as Kunbis to provide documentary routes to OBC status.
- Historical identity debates make it hard to sharply separate Kunbi and Maratha classifications.
Regional Divides Shape Identity Claims
- Regional differences matter: Vidarbha Marathas already used Kunbi classification while Western Maharashtra Marathas resisted backward labels.
- Economic and historical pride shaped who sought or rejected reservation benefits.