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The Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra has taken a significant step aimed at bolstering its outreach to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, a move that could prove crucial in the upcoming state assembly elections. The government announced its intention to request the Centre to raise the income limit for qualifying as a ‘non-creamy layer’ within the OBC category from the current ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh per year. This move, coupled with other initiatives, is seen as a strategic attempt by the ruling coalition to secure the support of the OBC community, a significant voting bloc in the state.
This decision comes at a time when the Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for the Maharashtra assembly elections. The ‘non-creamy layer’ certificate is an essential document for OBC individuals to avail of reservation benefits, and raising the income limit could potentially broaden the base of beneficiaries, garnering support from a larger section of the community. This move echoes the BJP's successful strategy employed in Haryana, where raising the income limit for the ‘creamy layer’ among the backward classes proved to be a winning formula in the previous assembly elections.
Prior to the Haryana assembly elections, the Nayab Singh Saini government had implemented a similar measure, increasing the annual income limit for identifying persons in the ‘creamy layer’ among the BCs from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh. The BJP's strategy was met with success as they managed to defy anti-incumbency sentiments and secure a third consecutive term in the state. This success serves as a precedent for the Maharashtra government, which is likely hoping to replicate the strategy in the upcoming polls. The Maharashtra cabinet has also approved a draft ordinance to grant constitutional status to the Maharashtra State Scheduled Caste Commission, further demonstrating the government's commitment to strengthening social justice mechanisms.
The ordinance, which will be presented in the next legislative session, will also create 27 new posts for the commission. While the government's actions are seen as a positive step towards inclusivity and social empowerment, it remains to be seen whether these measures will resonate with voters and translate into electoral success. The upcoming election will be a crucial test for the Eknath Shinde government, as they strive to retain power in Maharashtra. The government's OBC outreach strategy is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the polls, as the community's support could prove decisive in a tightly contested election.
Source: With an eye on Maharashtra polls, Eknath Shinde govt's big OBC outreach