Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday came down heavily on the Maharashtra government over the issue of Maratha reservation and notification on 'blood relatives' of Kunbi Marathas.
Jarange said that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde should not listen to his Deputy Devendra Fadnavis.
The activist made the comment on late Sunday night after CM Shinde said that Jarange should not test the patience of his government.
Jarange said that Fadnavis was trying to kill him, as per a PTI report, adding that he also announced that he would march to Mumbai and protest outside the Deputy CM's residence.
He also claimed that a poisoning attempt was made against him, though did not elaborate on it.
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Last Tuesday, the Maharashtra legislature passed a bill provding 10 per cent reservation for the Marathas in education and government jobs under separate category during an one-day special session, but Jarange has been pressing on his demand for a quota under the OBC head and converting the notification on 'blood relatives' of Kunbi Maharashtra into a law.
Speaking to ABP Majha on the remarks by CM Shinde, Jarange said: ""I have not heard it. But he should tell why the notification for quota of relatives (of Marathas) was not implemented. I respected him a lot. He should not listen to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and speak his (Fadnavis') language." Jarange said nobody is bigger than the Maratha community.
"It was his (Shinde's) responsibility to implement the notification for the relatives (of Marathas) and consider taking the gazette (of Nizam state, Satara) as proof for issuing certificates of Kunbi caste. The distribution of certificates has been stopped. Which demand was extra from our side?" he asked.
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On Sunday, CM Shinde wondered why Jarange's speech looks like the script usually used by Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.
Responding to the comment, Jarange said: ""I still respect him (CM Shinde). Our caste is our ‘script’. Our feeling was you were a true chief minister. I am sincere and don’t let me speak much. I am coming to Mumbai."
"What should we say if cheating is being done. Do the three (Shinde, Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar) want to kill the Maratha community for their politics? The Maratha community still speaks in support of Shinde side and he should not listen to them (Fadnavis)," he added.