Pune – Manoj Jarange Patil Warns Shinde-Fadnavis Government: “Grant Maratha Reservation or Face Collapse”
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat and Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 11th August 2024: In a fiery speech delivered during a massive rally in Pune, Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil issued a stern warning to the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Patil demanded that the government grant reservation to the Maratha community from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category or face the possibility of being ousted from power.
“Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis have a golden opportunity to do right for the Maratha community by granting us reservation from the OBC category. If they fail to act, we have the strength to bring down this government,” Patil declared, addressing the massive crowd that had gathered for the rally.
The rally, which was part of a public awareness and peace movement for Maratha reservation, saw thousands of Marathas from across the state converging in Pune. The event began in the morning with a long march that took nearly four hours to travel from Katraj to Sarasbaug. The rally then proceeded through Shaniwar Wada and Jungli Maharaj Road, culminating in a massive gathering at Deccan Corner, where Patil addressed the crowd.
Patil did not mince words in his criticism of political leaders, particularly Devendra Fadnavis and Chhagan Bhujbal. “Don’t follow in the footsteps of Narayan Rane and Devendra Fadnavis, or we will ensure you are removed from office,” he warned. Patil also emphasized the need for unity within the Maratha community and urged Marathas to support their own entrepreneurs and businesses.
He further announced that a crucial meeting would be held on August 29 at Antarwali Sarati to determine the next steps in their movement. “We will decide on August 29 whether to topple this government or let it stand. Marathas are united, and we will not back down until our demands are met,” Patil stated.
In his speech, Patil called out various political leaders for their perceived betrayal of the Maratha community, including Girish Mahajan, whom he accused of undermining Maratha efforts for reservation. He also criticized Chhagan Bhujbal, alleging that he had opposed Maratha reservation despite having been supported by the community in the past.
Patil also addressed the ongoing attempts to create divisions between OBCs and Marathas, stressing the importance of unity among communities. “Chhagan Bhujbal and Devendra Fadnavis want to create riots. OBCs and Marathas should not go against each other,” he cautioned.
The rally ended with a strong message to the government: “Grant us our rightful reservation, or this government will fall. We will not retreat an inch, and we will not allow any candidate to be elected if our demands are not met.”
