In the wake of the recent Lok Sabha elections, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has launched an indefinite strike in Antarwali Sarati village, Jalna, advocating for blanket reservation rights for the Maratha community. This move comes as a response to the notable shift in Maratha votes away from the ruling alliance in Marathwada. Despite being denied permission by the police, Jarange-Patil remains steadfast in his demand, which he believes is crucial for the empowerment of the Maratha community.
Key Demands and Strategies
Jarange-Patil's bold stance against the government, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), presents a significant challenge for the ruling alliance as they prepare for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for October. With his relentless advocacy for Maratha rights, Jarange-Patil has emerged as a potent force capable of influencing the political landscape in Maharashtra.
At the heart of Jarange-Patil's strike is the demand for Kunbi certificates to Sage-Soyares (blood relatives) based on their family trees. He insists that these certificates should be granted to Maratha relatives with documented Kunbi lineage, facilitating their inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. Additionally, Jarange-Patil plans to field candidates from various backward communities, including Dhangars, Lingayats, Muslims, and Marathas, across all 288 assembly segments, aiming to consolidate their collective strength for the assembly polls.
Political Response and Post-Election Reflections
While Jarange-Patil presses forward with his demands, political leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis, acknowledge the impact of Maratha votes in the Lok Sabha elections. Despite having granted Maratha reservation twice, the ruling alliance faces scrutiny over its perceived stance on Maratha issues. With losses in key Marathwada constituencies like Beed, Jalna, and Nanded, post-election reflections within the ruling coalition underline the urgency for immediate corrective measures to address the concerns of the Maratha community.
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