Maharashtra takes pride in being one of the most industrialised and socially vibrant states that has a tradition of saints and reformers. It is also the land where historic agitations pioneered a change in the lives of millions across the country. These included the opening up of a private well for untouchables by Mahatma Phule; the opening up of a school for girls by Phule and his wife Savitribai; the pioneering of 50 per cent reservations for Dalits by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj; the public bonfire of Manusmriti (the code of Manu which spells out the caste stratification) and satyagrahas for demanding access to a water source in Mahad and for entry to the famous Kalaram temple in Nashik. Post-independence, the state has witnessed the socially deprived hitting the streets on issues like the Khairlanji massacre in which four members of a Dalit family were killed.

Political parties in the state are currently preparing for the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections, which are likely to see some fresh alignments — with Narayan Rane and Raj Thackeray breaking away from the Shiv Sena; the BSP set to storm the state; and ambitious leaders from various communities planning strategic moves. At such a crucial juncture, Athawale wanted to participate in a reality show on a TV channel (and remain cut off for three months from the rest of the world). When rejected, he alleged caste bias and his followers were out on the streets.

Athawale’s version of politics runs contrary to the tradition of social revolt he claims to represent, as the current agitation has nothing to do with the welfare of the Dalits. Many believe that the quota system has benefitted some Dalits climb the socio-economic ladder and similar affirmative action is required in the private sector. There are talented Dalits who get no opportunity to show their skills in areas controlled by the private sector and some even have to change their surnames to hide their caste identification.

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