Here, in both cases, recommendations have come from state-appointed committees a cabinet sub-committee headed by Industries minister Narayan Rane for the Marathas, and a Dr Mahmood-Ur-Rahman committee for the Muslims. Experts say, in the absence of any scientific data gathered through equally sound methods, the reservation will not withstand legal scrutiny.

The Maratha community population which is considered as progressive due to its presence in politics, cooperative movements, farming etc, as claimed by Rane committee, is 32 per cent, which is based on a sample survey. It’s not that the Marathas don’t need reservations a significant population of this community is in dire straits due to unemployment, losses in farming etc.

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For Muslims, too, the 5 per cent reservation will not come easily, as it may clash with earlier reservations offered to sub-castes from the communities. Lastly, the NCP is of the opinion that organisational changes can change their fortunes when they decided to appoint Sunil Tatkare, a controversial face, as its state unit chief.

Tatkare has been facing a number of allegations in the irrigation scam and a court case is underway against companies registered in the name of his family members for allegedly accepting black money. Only the election results will decide if such measures were indeed fruitful to save both parties.