Ambedkarite Groups Hold Massive Protest Against SC Reservation Sub-Categorisation, Demand Quota Hike To 18–20%

Thane witnessed a massive protest march, or Virat Mahamorcha, on the part of activists and social organizations from the Ambedkarite movement. The demonstrators opposed the sub-categorization of Scheduled Caste (SC) reservations and called for a significant increase in quotas to 18-20%, based on population growth. The march began at the Bharat Ratna Dr. B. Ambedkar statue at Thane Railway Station, moved towards the Dr. B. Ambedkar statue at Court Naka, and ended with a large public meeting near the Thane District Collectorate.

The protesters demanded the immediate reversal of the decision to sub-categorize SC reservations. They proposed raising the reservation quota to 18 percent, considering the 2011 Census, and 20 percent, considering the 2021 Census. They emphasized that any future policies on SC quotas should align with population realities and protect community rights.

Sarsenapati Anandraj Ambedkar and Pandharinath Gaikwad, Thane District President of the Anti-SC Sub-Categorization Mahamorcha Kranti Samiti, addressed the media and vowed that the Ambedkarite movement and Bhim warriors across Thane district were prepared to resist government policies attempting to fragment the community. They pointed out that extensive grassroots meetings had been held across every tehsil to rally robust support for the agitation.

Critics accused the state government of using "divide and rule" tactics to fragment the SC community through sub-categorization. They vowed to fight back against any policy that creates social rifts, asserting that grouping SCs into distinct categories—A, B, C, and D—threatens community solidarity. Sarsenapati Anandraj Ambedkar declared that the Ambedkarite movement across Maharashtra would not tolerate attempts to fracture the social fabric through administrative division.

Prominent leaders and activists, including Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Dr. Suresh Mane, Babanrao Gholap, Rajkumar Badole, Baburao Mane, Sanjay Khamkar, and Sharadchandra Jadhav, participated in the protest. Key committee members included Prof. Jagannath Bawa, Abasaheb Chaskar, Sukhdev Ubale, Balasaheb Ovhal, Alka Jagtap, and Anand Navasagre.

The Mahamorcha was organized by the Scheduled Caste Sub-Categorization Opposition Mahamorcha Kranti Samiti, led by Pandharinath Gaikwad. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to a unified struggle until their demands were fully met.