Nashik, August 10, 2024 : A new controversy has cast a shadow on the political and social fabric of the Maratha community. The differences that erupted in the meeting of Maratha members of Nashik Municipal Corporation have brought the conflict between two prominent leaders, Narendra Patil and Vijaysinh Deshmukh, to the fore. This controversy is not limited to decisions in the municipal corporation alone, but is also shaking the thread of unity of the entire Maratha community. Although other leaders in the community have appealed to calm this controversy, it is seen that the hostility between Patil and Deshmukh is increasing. This controversy is likely to affect the ongoing struggle for various demands of the Maratha community.

It has been more than a year since the Maratha community was represented in the municipal corporation. This group, which was formed with the aim of implementing various schemes for the upliftment of the Maratha community in Nashik city, has achieved success many times. However, internal differences have been growing for the past few months. Narendra Patil is known as an influential leader in the Maratha community. He is one of the Maratha members in the municipal corporation and is connected to the younger generation of the community. On the other hand, Vijaysinh Deshmukh is an experienced politician and has a big say in the decision-making process in the municipal corporation. Both are active on the issue of Maratha reservation, but now their differences have threatened the unity of the community.

The dispute erupted at a regular meeting of Maratha members held on Monday (August 5). The meeting was on the topic of new development schemes in the municipal corporation. The schemes included seats reserved for the Maratha community. However, Narendra Patil strongly criticized these schemes. He said, "The ideology behind these decisions is not concern for the welfare of the community, but political gain. Instead of giving real opportunities to the youth of the Maratha community, personal interests of a few people are being given priority. This decision is not for the betterment of the community, but on the contrary, it is a shock to it." Patil's taunt created tension in the meeting. He further said, "Maratha members of the municipal corporation should fight unitedly for the demands of the community, but now everything is being destroyed due to internal strife."

Vijaysinh Deshmukh, however, immediately responded to Patil's criticism. He said, "Narendra Patil's allegations are not true. We have always been working for the upliftment of the Maratha community. These schemes will provide employment opportunities to hundreds of youth. It is easy to criticize, but difficult to take actual action. We care about the progress of the community, and that is our goal." Deshmukh also appealed to Patil not to make personal attacks. His response created an uproar in the meeting, with some members supporting both sides. In the end, the meeting was adjourned, and the further decision-making process was delayed.

If we tell the background of this dispute, the Maratha community in Nashik had fought a big fight on the issue of reservation last year. Patil and Deshmukh were the main leaders in that fight. However, after the municipal elections, the differences between the two increased. Some said that these differences are not just about development plans, but are linked to the future leadership race. A senior leader of the Maratha community said on condition of anonymity, "This dispute will weaken the community. We need unity to get reservation. Both Patil and Deshmukh are the stalwarts of the community, but if the animosity between them increases, everything will be wasted."

Other leaders of the Maratha community have taken the initiative to calm the dispute. A key coordinator of the Maratha Kranti Morcha said, "We will call both the leaders and mediate. It is necessary to end this dispute for the benefit of the community." Also, Maratha organizations in Nashik have jointly issued a letter and appealed for unity. The letter says, "The differences in the municipal corporation should not become an obstacle to the big fight of the community. All leaders should come together and work."

The dispute is also likely to have an impact on the municipal corporation. It will now be difficult to take decisions on development projects reserved for the Maratha community. The dispute is being discussed among the citizens living in the Maratha settlements of Nashik city. A Maratha youth said, "We want real help from the leaders, not arguments. If this dispute is not resolved, our credibility will decrease." On the other hand, political analysts say that this dispute can also affect the political equations of Maratha reservation in Maharashtra. Since Nashik is an important center of the Maratha community, the dispute here can spread throughout the state.

Currently, there is no official response from both the leaders. However, there is displeasure among the activists of the Maratha community over this dispute. Although efforts are being made for the unity of the community, there are doubts as to when the differences between Patil and Deshmukh will be resolved. The Maratha community now needs to control this internal conflict, otherwise there will be no progress on important issues like reservation. It will be interesting to see whether the Maratha leaders in Nashik will now come together and try to resolve this dispute.