Maratha rallies lack leadership: Experts

KOLHAPUR: Political scientists and sociologists have raised doubts over the outcome of rallies being organised across the state by Marathas claiming that the move is in the interest of the current political set up.
Several rallies have taken place ever since the Kopardi rape-murder incident. "Baring the first few rallies that genuinely focussed on the demand of strict action against those involved in the crime, the remaining ones are motivated or being used by the leaders of all political parties to maintain their clout," experts said.
The demands for reservation, relaxing the provisions of Atrocities act and justice to the family of Kopardi victim are being pushed by the Maratha community, which is gathering support from everyone and hitting the streets as well.
Prakash Pawar, a political expert, said, "The voice of the downtrodden class of Marathas seems to be genuine. They are voicing their anger against the established Maratha leaders of all political parties. The ruling Maratha elite are trying hard to make their voice thinner to keep their political clout intact. In such circumstances, no party will be able reap political advantage. Moreover, the rallies will not even serve the purpose or fulfil genuine demands of the people."
"These rallies are without any leadership or are faceless. It will benefit all political parties, as they cannot afford if any new force or leadership emerges through these rallies. All political leaders are trying to show that they actual represent the poor Maratha, which is by no means true. They have aristocratic background and always remained part of the elite class," Pawar said.
Political theorist Ashok Chousalkar said the rallies organised in the region are to mobilise the community and an attempt by those who lost power in electoral fights.
"The common sentiment is that the Maratha community has lost its clout after the electoral battles has been deliberately invoked. This is the major reason youths of the community are feeling insecure. Deliberate attempts are being made to invoke a sense of victimhood among Marathas, which has resulted in heavy turnout at the rallies. All political parties and their local leaders are trying hard to mobilise the Maratha community towards their side," Chousalkar said.
In the meantime, Maratha organisations and political leaders cutting across party lines have decided to hold and support the rally - Virat Morcha - in Nashik on September 24 to condemn the Kopardi rape-murder incident.
"We discussed how to mobilise people of the community for the demands. It struck us that the all political leaders will follow common people in the morcha. It will be lead by girl students, mothers and common citizens. We will only be the organisers and volunteers for Virat Morcha," said Shailesh Kute, one of co-ordinators of the rally.
When asked why was only Maratha leading the Morcha when the atrocities could affected anybody another leader from the community said, "We are appealing to all the communities to join the morcha and we are getting their support."