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The Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra is actively engaging in a strategic outreach initiative targeting the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. This initiative is particularly significant in the lead-up to the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. The government has declared its intention to request the central government to elevate the income limit for qualifying as a 'non-creamy layer' to ₹15 lakh per year. This proposed increase is a considerable leap from the current ₹8 lakh threshold. The 'non-creamy layer' classification signifies that the family income of an individual falls below the prescribed limit, a crucial criterion for availing reservation benefits within the OBC category.
This move by the state cabinet is a direct response to the approaching assembly polls, signaling a deliberate attempt to secure the support of the OBC electorate. The government's strategy aligns with the tactics employed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana during the state assembly elections. In the lead-up to those polls, the then Nayab Singh Saini government in Haryana implemented a similar initiative by raising the income limit for the 'creamy layer' among the backward classes from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh. The outcome in Haryana was noteworthy, as the BJP managed to overcome anti-incumbency sentiments and secured a third consecutive term, demonstrating the potential impact of such targeted outreach efforts.
The BJP's success in Haryana, driven by this specific policy shift, appears to be a key factor influencing the Shinde government's decision in Maharashtra. This strategy, centered on boosting the 'non-creamy layer' income limit, aims to garner favor among a sizable section of the OBC population. By addressing this specific concern, the government aims to position itself favorably in the eyes of these voters, potentially swaying their support in the upcoming elections. The political landscape in Maharashtra is characterized by a complex interplay of factors, and the outcome of these elections will largely depend on how effectively each party can mobilize its core constituencies. The Shinde government's OBC outreach strategy represents a significant step in this competitive landscape.
Source: With an eye on Maharashtra polls, Eknath Shinde govt's big OBC outreach