It's now the turn of the Maharashtra Brahmin community that constitute around 9% of the voters, to seek certain concession from the political fraternity. They seem to have been inspired by the politically-dominant Maratha community, which has been demanding reservation.
Upping the ante in this regard, the Akhil Bhartiya Brahman Mahasangh has also declared their support to parties/candidates who are sympathetic to their demands.
The Mahasangh insist that Brahmins functioning as priests be provided a monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000. They also want an economic development corporation set up for the youth of the community. The Mahasangh has also sought protection for Brahmins against alleged incidents of atrocities against them.
The organisation has appealed to community members to give priority to Brahmin candidates while voting. In Mumbai metropolitan region, MNS' Aditya Shirodkar (Mumbai South-Central), Abhijit Panse (Thane) and NCP's Anand Paranjpe (Kalyan-Dombivali) are the community candidates in fray. In constituencies where Brahmin candidates are not in the race, the outfit wants community electors to opt for the Shiv Sena-BJP combine, which champions Hindu ideology.
"We are not seeking reservation from the government, but we want certain facilities for the socially and financially weaker sections in the community," Anil Gachke, chief of Mahasangh's Mumbai unit, said.
Sociologists who reacted to Mahasangh's demands, felt there was nothing objectionable in them, but added that a detailed study must be carried out before taking any decision in this matter. Professor Hari Narke, who heads Mahathma Phule Chair at Pune University, said the government could do this by appointing a committee.
"If the Mahasangh says there are instances of atrocities against Brahmins, then the government should analyse whether the cases are a trend or some specific incidents. If the Brahmins youth are seeking an economic development corporation, then the government should find out what kind of a plan they have," Narke, an OBC activist, pointed out.
There are 7.89 crore voters in Maharashtra for the 2014 Lok Sabha poll. According to Mahasangh, of this Maharashtrian Brahmins constitute 9%, and if multi-lingual Brahmins are included, the figure would go up to 13%.
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