Mumbai: The Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has thrown his hat in to the ring and has swung into action for an experiment of social engineering. On Thursday several Dalit and Muslim leaders met Jarange in Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district and announced their commitment to formulate a “common minimum programme” for the November 20 Assembly polls.
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati successfully executed the social engineering in Uttar Pradesh and managed to get the power defeating both BJP and Samajwadi Party.
She had ruled the state during 2007-2012 with the support of Brahmins. She had then sought to project the BSP as a party of “Sarvjans (all people)” rather than just of “Bahujans (deprived sections)”. Her social engineering then involved the support of the Brahmin community coupled with her core support base in the form of SC voters.
Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani, Dalit leaders Rajratna and Anandraj Ambedkar were present at the gathering. During the meeting it was unanimously decided to create a united front for the Maharashtra assembly elections. They have also decided a ‘common minimum programme’ to challenge established power and prevent divisions within their communities.
Speaking at a gathering, Jarange emphasized the importance of solidarity among Dalit, Muslim, and Maratha communities to dismantle entrenched power dynamics. He urged supporters to back candidates supportive of this united cause.
Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani criticized the BJP for its divisive politics and highlighted the necessity of maintaining a unified front to prevent vote splitting. Dalit leaders Rajratna and Anandraj Ambedkar echoed these sentiments, stressing that their collective efforts serve as an example for the entire country.
This significant political development raised many eyebrows in the corridors of power. So far no party has reacted to this development but most of them have kept a close eye on it. On November 3, Jarange is all set to announce the names of some of the candidates.
Will this experiment succeed is still unclear however, Jarange has once again forced all the parties to take his cognisance.
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