Maratha Reservation: Activist Manoj Jarange Warns Of ‘Change’ Over Demands As State Polls Loom

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange stressed that if justice isn't served for the Marathas, farmers, and their children, change would be needed, although he did not specify his next steps.

File photo of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange.

Source : PTI

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday warned that a change in government may be necessary if their demands for reservation are not met. With Maharashtra assembly elections expected next month, Jarange addressed a rally in Beed on the occasion of Vijayadashami (Dussehra), alleging that a conspiracy was being plotted against the Maratha community.

According to news agency PTI, Jarange stressed that if justice isn't served for the Marathas, farmers, and their children, change would be needed, although he did not specify his next steps.

He lashed out at the government and warned to resolve the issues of all communities ahead of the model code of conduct for the assembly polls coming into force. Jarange added that the demand for reservations has been pending for the last 14 months and not a single demand has been accomplished.

Manoj Jarange Demands Reservations For Poor Marathas

"Our demand is that poor Marathas be given reservations. Every caste has taken benefits of Central and state facilities. Some claimed by giving quota it will hurt the reservation of others," Jarange stated.

He alleged that the conspiracies are being laid to cornered from all sides and finish him. Jarange, who has a strong following among the Marathas, especially in the underdeveloped Marathwada region, has been pushing for the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category. While the state government passed a law in February granting a separate 10 per cent reservation, Jarange has remained critical.

During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Manoj Jarange urged his supporters not to vote for "those who opposed securing reservation for their community," indirectly referring to the BJP and its allies. This appeal led to caste polarisation in the region, resulting in the BJP-led NDA losing all of its seats except for Aurangabad.

"One must rebel against injustice. There is a need for an uprising. What sin have we committed that our community only got injustice," he asserted. He requested his supporters to remain patient as the community and farmers were on their path to victory.