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Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday (July 26) said that the revolutionary ideals of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj are the source of inspiration behind the Congress’ demand for caste census and removal of the upper limit of 50 percent reservation. Let us tell you that 122 years ago i.e. in 1902, he took a revolutionary step by implementing 50 percent reservation in education and government jobs. Shahuji Maharaj, who was the ruler of Kolhapur, had then implemented 50 percent reservation for the people of backward castes. He had published the gazette related to the order of this reservation on July 26, 1902.
Sharing the picture of Shahuji Maharaj’s gazette notification on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi wrote that our demands for conducting caste census in the country, removing the 50% limit on reservation and justice for the marginalized are inspired by the revolutionary ideals of Shahuji Maharaj. He tweeted, “Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj’s contribution towards social justice was way ahead of his time. A pioneer in the fight for social justice in the country, his lifelong work on social reforms has had a great impact on me. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj made education universal by deciding to publish the ‘Revolutionary Gazette’ on this day in 1902. Through this, Shahuji Maharaj worked to strengthen the weaker sections of the society by giving them 50% reservation in jobs. Shahu Maharaj’s support and efforts also influenced Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who included reservation in the Constitution. Our demands for caste census, removal of 50% cap on reservation and justice for the marginalized are inspired by the revolutionary ideals of Shahu Maharaj.”
Let us tell you that the implementation of 50 percent reservation quota in jobs and education for backward classes by Shahuji Maharaj in 1902 is the first example of reservation in the history of the country. Shahu Maharaj was also one of the early supporters of Ambedkar and considered his social reform approach necessary for social justice.
Who was Shahuji Maharaj?
Maratha Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was the king of the Bhonsle dynasty. He is said to be the first Maharaja of the Indian princely state of Kolhapur. Shahuji Maharaj’s reign was from 1894 to 1922. He was greatly influenced by social reformer Jyotirao Govindrao Phule. Chhatrapati Shahu made many social reforms during his 28 years of rule. Especially he made many changes for the backward community and lower castes. He gave equal opportunities to everyone.
Shahu Maharaj ensured that educated students got employment. He gave 50 percent reservation to the weaker sections. To end untouchability, he also drank tea at the tea shop of his Dalit servant Gangaram Kamble, which was a big thing for that time. Born on 26 June 1874, Shahuji Maharaj was a descendant of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also established separate schools and colleges for girls. He also recommended a ban on the Devdasi system. He legalized widow remarriage in 1917 and tried to stop child marriage.
What is Congress’s new move?
Shahuji Maharaj is worshipped in Maharashtra. Congress wants to make political gains in the upcoming assembly elections using him as an excuse. Congress has been demanding caste census and removal of 50 percent limit on reservation. It is believed that Congress is doing this to woo the Other Backward Classes. The OBC population in Maharashtra is considered to be the highest at around 52 percent. This community has been the main vote bank of BJP but in recent times, the OBC community of the state is angry with the Eknath Shinde-led NDA government for giving 10 percent reservation to Marathas in this category. On the other hand, Marathas, who are about 33 percent of the state’s population and are demanding OBC certificate under Kunbi caste, are also angry with the Shinde government.
In such a situation, Congress wants to gain a big advantage in the upcoming assembly elections by mobilizing OBC voters. It is believed that Rahul Gandhi calling Shahuji Maharaj the inspiration for the fight for caste census and reservation is part of this strategy.