Jarange-Patil warns Maharashtra govt again: Face defeat in Assembly polls if promise not met

“If the government fails to ensure reservation to Maratha community by July 13, we should then take a decision whether to field our own candidates or defeat the candidates (of the ruling allaince) in all 288 constituencies,” he told the gathering at the rally.

Asking the Maratha community to remain alert, Jarange Patil said, “Don’t take it lightly… Don’t get into unnecessary arguments like ‘he is my leader, he is your leader’. Pay attention to your children. Many parents have seen their children ending their lives for lack of reservation. We keep take care of our children. We have to keep fighting till we get reservation for our children,” he said.

Urging the Maratha community to come out and vote en masse during the Assembly election, the quota activist said, “The world should take note of our unity. We should remain united. Many are taking cue out of our unity… I am confident that the government will take a decision regarding reservation by July 13. If it doesn’t, it will face the consequences during the assembly elections.”

Targeting state minister and BJP leader Chandrakant Patil, Jarange-Patil said, “The minister does not understand the difference between relatives and ‘sage-soyare” (blood relatives). He should not hold brief for the government. Patil is trying to create confusion among the Maratha community members.”

Slamming minister Chhagan Bhujbal, whom he has targeted several times in the past, Jarange-Patil said, “The government has pitted OBC leaders against me after taking advice from Bhujbal. If the government listens to Bhujbal, it will have to face the consequences…Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that he will withdraw police cases against Maratha community members. He has not done so, Probably he is listening to Bhujbal.”

Calling up Maratha community to desist from getting into a duel with OBC community, Jarange-Patil said, “There is a possibility of an attack on me. But I request you with folded hands to not get into a fight with OBC community. But if anyone tries to harass our children, then don’t look back.”

The activist said Kunbis and Marathas are the same. “Kunbis and Marathas are one and the same. When Sushilkumar Shinde was the chief minister, he has issued an order to the effect,” he said.

Stating that fasting has taken a toll on his health, Jarange-Patil said, “Now I find it difficult to even climb the staircase without support from someone. Consistent fasting has taken a toll on my health. My arms and limbs sometimes go numb. But this will not stop me… I will fight for getting reservation for the community till my last breath,” he said.

The activist wound up his speech quickly citing severe headache.