On the Maratha reservation, there is close social consensus.
• The survey aimed to understand voters’ perceptions on the demand for Maratha reservation, its agitation, and its social acceptability.
• Four out of 10 respondents agreed that Manoj Jarange Patil and his followers should contest the Assembly elections.
• Patil and his supporters have threatened existing political players with their own political outfits, indicating the potential of independent Maratha candidates.
• Two-fifths of respondents believed movement and strikes were the correct way of making demands for reservation.
• Less than three out of 10 respondents believed the demand could have been pursued through different means.
• Only four out of 10 respondents knew about a new law providing 10% reservation to Maratha community in educational institutions and government jobs.
• An overwhelming share of respondents supported the demand to some extent, with Maratha voters supporting it more than other groups.
• The demand received strong support from Scheduled Tribe respondents and those identifying themselves as Kunbi.
• Among Other Backward Classes, one out of 10 opposed any kind of reservation to Marathas, while one-fifths of respondents from Scheduled Castes and upper castes opposed it.