In a bold escalation against the MahaYuti government, Manoj Jarange-Patil, leader of Shivba Sanghatana, issued a stark warning on Tuesday. He stated that if the government fails to provide Maratha quotas, the only remaining course of action would be to seize power directly.
During a media briefing, Jarange-Patil emphasized that Maratha groups have no intention of delving into politics or running in elections unless absolutely necessary. However, he made it clear that if the state government does not fulfill its promise regarding reservations, their only recourse would be to enter the electoral fray and assume power. Once in power, Jarange-Patil promised to address all the community's needs.
The Shivba Sanghatana leader, who has been vocally critical of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticized him once again for allegedly obstructing the community’s demands. Jarange-Patil called on legislators from all parties to engage with Fadnavis and find a resolution to the issue. He also threatened to challenge the candidates from both the ruling MahaYuti coalition and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in the upcoming assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Fadnavis reiterated his commitment on Monday evening, asserting that the MahaYuti government remains dedicated to providing Maratha quotas within the boundaries of the law.
Jarange-Patil, while not naming specific individuals or parties, accused certain leaders of targeting him to protect their own political positions, an action the Maratha community is aware of and will not tolerate.
Currently traveling through various districts including Dharashiv, Solapur, Beed, and Pune, Jarange-Patil is also expected to meet with Raj Thackeray, President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who is on his own tour in Dharashiv. Both sides have yet to confirm this meeting.
On Monday, Raj Thackeray sparked controversy by suggesting that if all jobs were given to locals, there would be no need for quotas in Maharashtra. This led to a sit-in protest by certain Maratha groups outside his hotel that same night, with Jarange-Patil also condemning Thackeray’s remarks.
In response, Raj Thackeray stated that he had previously shared his views with Jarange-Patil and suggested that while his stance may be misunderstood now, it will prove to be correct in the future.
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