A Movement Divided

Cracks in maratha body will likely bring relief to the BJP

- Kiran D. Tare

The Maratha Seva Sangh (MSS), which spearheaded 57 massive marches by the state’s politically influential Maratha community over the past 18 months, is today divided on the road ahead. Two factions are locked in a legal battle in a bid to control Sambhaji Brigade, the social wing of the MSS. The hardline faction led by Praveen Gaikwad favours maintaining the status quo, while the rival group, led by Manoj Akhare, wants to launch the Sambhaji Brigade as a full-fledged political party. The state charity commissioner is expected to deliver a verdict on the dispute in the coming weeks.