MUMBAI, 8 SEPTEMBER, 2024 (GPN): Maratha activist and leader Manoj Jarange Patil has launched another scathing attack on Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to reconsider his stance over the Maratha reservation issue. Jarange Patil accused Fadnavis of being indifferent to the plight of the Maratha community, saying, “You do not understand the pain of the Marathas. Whoever comes in the way of securing the Maratha reservation, we will deal with them accordingly, no matter who they are.” He reminded Fadnavis of the backlash during the last Lok Sabha elections, warning him to tread carefully or face political consequences.

Jarange-Patil also brought up the 2004 law concerning the Maratha-Kunbi community, hitting out the government for repealing it and failing to provide Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas. “Who is responsible for fostering casteism, and how can you lecture us on it,” he asked. “Do not challenge me. If the Maratha community rises, there will be no place for you to hide,” he added.

Jarange-Patil has been demanding the implementation of the draft notification that recognises Kunbis as blood relatives of the Maratha community members and the inclusion of Marathas in OBC category.

Further intensifying his attack, Jarange-Patil said, “Devendra Fadnavis, you will not be able to continue your political manoeuvring. Our children are on the verge of destruction because of your obstinacy, and the Marathas are suffering. If this continues, Maharashtra will not allow you to set foot on its land.” He hinted Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has been allowed to have a bungalow in Delhi. This has led to speculations that Maharashtra Deputy CM is being appointed next President of the BJP.

“Fadnavis is creating obstacles in granting reservation to the Maratha community. Bhujbal is inciting riots in the state at Fadnavis’ behest by instigating OBCs against Maratha reservation,” he alleged.

Jarange extended his support to the Dhangar community demanding it’s inclusion in the ST category.

Concluding his speech, Jarange-Patil urged the Maratha community to remain united and vigilant. “This is a critical moment for our people. I will continue to speak against those in power, not the opposition, because they are the ones responsible for making decisions. If I am wrong, I am ready to step back from the movement, but until then, I will not stop fighting for justice for the Marathas,” he declared

Manoj Jarange-Patil had been active in the Maratha agitation in the state since past several years. Jarange-Patil hails from Matori village of Beed district. However, he shifted base to Ankush Nagar village of Ambad taluka of Jalna district since the past few years, where he stays along with father-mother, three brothers, wife and four children.

Jarange-Patil participated in more than 30 agitations for Maratha quota since 2011. In 2014 he led a huge rally at the Aurangabad divisional headquarters which established his identity as the front leader of the Maratha agitation across the state.

He formed the ‘Shivba’ organization to fight for the Maratha community’s rights. In 2021 he led a sit-down protest at Pimpalgaon in Jalna district for over 3 months. He had also resorted to hunger strikes to ensure kin of martyrs of Maratha agitation were adequately compensated. The accused in the Kopardi rape and murder case (Which led to Maratha agitation in 2016) were beaten up in the court. Jarange-Patil’s Shivba organization was named in the case. Jarange-Patil also led a stir with a demand that the accused of the Kopardi case be punished with a death sentence.