On Tuesday, Manoj Jarange-Patil, the leader of Shivba Sanghatana, intensified his criticism of the ruling MahaYuti government. He issued a stark warning that if Maratha reservations are not implemented, Maratha groups may be forced to seize political power.
In a press conference, Jarange-Patil emphasized that Maratha groups do not want to enter politics or run in elections unless absolutely necessary. “However, if the state government fails to honor its commitment on reservations, we will have no choice but to contest elections and take control,” Jarange-Patil declared. He vowed that his group would address all promises made to the Maratha community if they came to power.
Jarange-Patil, who has been outspoken against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accused him of hindering the community’s aspirations. He urged legislators from all political parties to convince Fadnavis to address the issue and find a solution. The Shivba Sanghatana leader also threatened to run in the upcoming assembly elections and defeat candidates from all parties in both the ruling MahaYuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliances.
Maratha Reservations
In response, Fadnavis reiterated the MahaYuti government’s commitment to providing Maratha reservations within legal constraints.
Jarange-Patil suggested that certain leaders are targeting him to protect their parties and maintain political credibility, a situation the Maratha community is aware of and will not tolerate.
Currently touring districts such as Dharashiv, Solapur, Beed, and Pune, Jarange-Patil is expected to meet with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray, though both parties have yet to confirm the details.
Thackeray recently sparked controversy by suggesting that if 100 percent of jobs were allocated to locals, there would be no need for quotas in Maharashtra. This statement led to a sit-in protest by certain Maratha groups outside his hotel on Monday night, and Jarange-Patil criticized Thackeray’s remarks.
Thackeray responded by stating that he had previously conveyed the same position to Jarange-Patil and maintained that while his views might be misunderstood now, they would prove accurate in the future.
