In a surprising turn of events on February 25, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced his intention to march to Mumbai and stage a protest outside the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, whom he accused of orchestrating attempts on his life. The declaration, made during an hour-long speech in Jalna, stirred chaos among his supporters, who had gathered in large numbers.
Jarange alleged that false accusations were being fabricated against him under the influence of Fadnavis, claiming a conspiracy to harm him. Defiantly, he expressed his readiness to march alone to Sagar bungalow, Fadnavis’ official residence in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill, emphasizing that all he needed was a support stick.
The announcement prompted reactions from the political sphere, with BJP MLA Nitesh Rane cautioning Jarange about facing a “huge wall of party workers” if he attempted to reach Fadnavis. Rane dismissed Jarange’s claims as scripted and urged him to enter politics without resorting to baseless allegations.
Responding to the developments, Mumbai BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar questioned Jarange’s continued protest despite the recent passage of a bill granting 10% reservation to the Maratha community. Bhatkhalkar suggested that Jarange’s motives were questionable, and he accused the activist of tarnishing Fadnavis’ image with unfounded allegations.
The unfolding drama highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the Maratha quota issue and the political undercurrents at play in Maharashtra, bringing into focus the clash between the activist and the political establishment.
