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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Maratha quota stir poised for revival

Manoj Jarange issues August ultimatum as CM cites record certificate distribution Mumbai: Maharashtra is bracing for renewed political turbulence as the Maratha quota agitation threatens to engulf the state once again. Prominent activist Manoj Jarange Patil has sounded a clarion call for a final, decisive protest beginning August 29, marking the third anniversary of the community’s relentless struggle. In stark contrast, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stepped in to defuse the escalating...

Maratha quota stir poised for revival

Manoj Jarange issues August ultimatum as CM cites record certificate distribution Mumbai: Maharashtra is bracing for renewed political turbulence as the Maratha quota agitation threatens to engulf the state once again. Prominent activist Manoj Jarange Patil has sounded a clarion call for a final, decisive protest beginning August 29, marking the third anniversary of the community’s relentless struggle. In stark contrast, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stepped in to defuse the escalating tensions, asserting that the government remains highly responsive to the community’s demands and that the pendency of caste certificates is virtually negligible. Addressing a massive press conference at Antarwali Sarati in the Jalna district of Marathwada, Jarange Patil expressed deep frustration with the state administration. He accused the government of deliberately deceiving the Maratha community and employing delaying tactics. According to the activist, the state has discovered approximately 58 lakh Kunbi caste records, yet the administration continues to withhold vital Kunbi certificates from eligible Maratha community members. Issuing a stern ultimatum, he demanded that caste certificates based on the Hyderabad gazette be issued to all rightful beneficiaries by August 28. Failing this, he warned, a massive mobilization will commence from every village across the state starting August 19. He passionately stated that the community has been sacrificing its blood for the youth for three years and will not back down until the issue reaches a logical conclusion. Robust Defence Countering these allegations, CM Fadnavis presented a robust defence of the Mahayuti government’s track record while speaking to the media in Nagpur. He emphasised that caste certificates are processed and issued promptly upon request. He firmly stated that everyone who has applied for a caste certificate has received it, adding that the number of pending cases is exceedingly low. Fadnavis dismissed the notion that certificates are being arbitrarily denied, reinforcing that the current administration has made and executed more pro-Maratha decisions than any previous government. He maintained a conciliatory tone, noting that the administration remains open to dialogue and is willing to find constructive solutions if any genuine grievances persist. Progress Report The state government’s claims are corroborated by the latest progress report from the Justice Sandeep Shinde committee, which was established to oversee the distribution of Maratha-Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, and Kunbi certificates. As of July 27, 2026, the data from the Divisional Commissionerate in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar paints a picture of swift administrative action in Marathwada. Out of a total of 311,609 applications received, a staggering 311,033 applicants have been successfully issued Kunbi certificates. Only 515 applications faced rejection, while a mere 61 remain pending across the division. Furthermore, officials noted that 72,012 certificates have been distributed in the region from September 2025 to the present date. A district-wise analysis of the Marathwada region highlights this extensive distribution network. In Beed district, the administration achieved a near-perfect clearance rate, distributing 206,789 certificates against 206,799 applications, with zero pending files currently. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar saw 25,211 certificates issued from 25,295 applications, leaving only 15 pending. Similarly, Jalna district processed 18,128 applications to distribute 18,053 certificates, with just 13 awaiting approval. Parbhani and Hingoli districts reported the distribution of 20,832 and 13,286 certificates, respectively, with negligible pendency. Nanded district cleared all its 4,841 applications with no backlog, while Latur and Dharashiv districts successfully distributed 2,751 and 19,281 certificates, respectively. Demands’ Charter Despite these administrative milestones, Jarange Patil has expanded his charter of demands, intensifying his critique of the state’s welfare mechanisms. He has now called for the creation of a dedicated Maratha welfare department, questioning why the Maratha community cannot have a separate ministry similar to the one existing for OBCs. He alleged that nine ministers in the current coalition are actively opposing this proposal, threatening to expose their names during the mega rally on August 29. Furthermore, he lashed out at the government over the systemic failure in implementing existing welfare schemes. He claimed that despite official resolutions granting Maratha students parity with OBC students, educational institutions are not enforcing these benefits at the school and college levels. He also accused the state of shutting down initiatives under the Sarathi institute and noted that flawed loan processes under the Annasaheb Patil Corporation are turning into bad debts, effectively ruining the CIBIL scores of young entrepreneurs. Capping off his grievances, Jarange Patil alleged a discriminatory bias in government recruitment, questioning the state administration over what he termed an “apartheid” against Maratha candidates.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Yadav likely to be sacked

Raghav Chadha, Tejaswi Surya, Nishikant Dubey, Praful Patel CAN be included

New Delhi: A significant reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers is widely expected after June 16. Several prominent and senior faces could make way for a younger, more energetic, and politically active generation of leaders.

 

There is considerable speculation in political circles that influential ministers such as Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav may no longer remain part of the Union Cabinet after June.

 

At the same time, the possible induction of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who recently parted ways with the Aam Aadmi Party, as well as certain Members of Parliament who may distance themselves from the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

 

If these developments materialize, the exercise would represent far more than a routine cabinet expansion or reshuffle. It would be viewed as a strategic political move aimed at preparing for upcoming electoral battles while accommodating emerging political alignments.

 

According to sources, a recent Cabinet meeting included a detailed evaluation of the performance of various ministries.

 

Ministries were reportedly assessed on parameters such as the resolution of public grievances, administrative efficiency, disposal of pending cases, and the government's public image. It is believed that changes in ministerial responsibilities could be based on these assessments.

 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has recently taken steps to promote younger leadership within its organizational structure.

 

Under the leadership of its new national president, Nitin Naveen, the party is reportedly working toward making the organization more aggressive, ideologically assertive, and electorally effective.


Pradhan’s Future  

The responsibilities of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav could undergo changes.

 

In Pradhan's case, controversies surrounding various examinations, questions raised about the education sector, and issues involving the University Grants Commission and higher educational institutions are being cited as possible reasons.

 

In Yadav's case, certain environmental matters and legal disputes connected to his ministry have also attracted attention. However, given their strong organizational credentials, many believe both leaders could be entrusted with significant responsibilities within the BJP organization.

 

Upcoming Elections

Over the next eighteen months, electoral activity is expected to intensify in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. Among these states, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab occupy a particularly important place in the BJP's strategic calculations. Consequently, special attention is likely to be paid to achieving a balance of regional and social representation in any cabinet reorganization.

 

In Punjab, the BJP has already signaled its intent to expand its social outreach by appointing Jat Sikh leader Keval Singh Dhillon as the state president. The possible inclusion of BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh in the Union Cabinet following his entry into the Rajya Sabha.

 

On the other hand, there is speculation that Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, whose Rajya Sabha tenures have ended and who have not been renominated, could be dropped from the Cabinet.

 

Bittu is being prepared as a prominent BJP fire brand leader in Punjab. The possible return of Rajeev Chandrasekhar from Kerala and Anurag Thakur from Himachal Pradesh to the Union Cabinet.

 

In Uttar Pradesh, elections for eleven Rajya Sabha seats are in November this year, followed by the Assembly elections next year. Against this backdrop, new faces from the state may be given opportunities in the Cabinet.

 

The Rajya Sabha memberships of Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and BL Verma are also set to expire in November 2026. 

 

Under the BJP's "One Person, One Post" principle, there is speculation that Pankaj Chaudhary, now serving as BJP's Uttar Pradesh president, and Harsh Malhotra, who has assumed leadership of the Delhi BJP, may relinquish their ministerial positions.

 

Fresh Faces

Former Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Bihar is also being mentioned as a possible contender. The organization of the 'Rana Sanga Yatra' and an air show by them prior to the Bihar Assembly elections is being viewed in the context of the BJP's electoral strategy.

 

Similarly, fire brand leader like Jharkhand's Nishikant Dubey and relatively young leader like Karnataka's Tejasvi Surya could be inducted into the Cabinet.

 

There are also indications that the BJP may seek to strengthen its representation from West Bengal. Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya and young leader Sayantan Basu are among the names being discussed.

 

However, claims regarding a possible split within the Trinamool Congress and the political developments associated with it remain speculative and have not been independently verified.

 

If a section of TMC MPs were to break away and align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), one of them could potentially find a place in the Union Cabinet. There is a possibility that Praful Patel from NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) may become a minister. 

 

Former Union Minister Praful Patel from NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) is also being mentioned as a possible contender.

 

At present, the Union Council of Ministers consists of 72 members, while the Constitution permits a strength of up to 81. This leaves sufficient room for the induction of new faces. Experience from the past decade suggests that Prime Minister Modi has consistently surprised political observers when it comes to cabinet expansions and reshuffles. The changes undertaken in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2023 demonstrated that final decisions often differ significantly from prevailing political expectations.

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