India, Aug. 31 -- Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil is exerting considerable pressure on the BJP-led Mahayuti government, demanding that the state declare the entire Maratha caste as an Other Backward Class (OBC) so that they can enjoy reservation benefits in education and employment.

What exactly is Jarange-Patil asking and why is it difficult to grant his demands?

The Marathas are a caste broadly identified as a warrior and peasant caste, who were historically soldiers, ministers and landlords, as well as agriculturists. They are considered a politically significant community in Maharashtra, comprising 28% of the state's population.

The Kunbis are a peasant sub-caste of the Marathas. They were added to the OBC category due t...