Maratha Leader Accuses Deputy CM Fadnavis of Divisive Tactics

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil accused Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of attempting to divide the Maratha community. Patil continues his campaign across Maharashtra, advocating for OBC reservation for Marathas and leading peace rallies drawing significant community support.

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Monday accused Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of "dividing" the Maratha community. Patil asserted that the Marathas are "united" and that Fadnavis' efforts would not succeed.

Patil disclosed that he faced medical issues following a public rally but remains committed to his campaign. "Currently, my blood pressure is low, but I will attend my scheduled programs in Ahmednagar and Nashik," Patil said. He criticized Chhagan Bhujbal, dismissing his statements as being politically motivated and echoing Fadnavis' sentiments.

On Sunday, Patil led a peace rally in Pune under the banner of Maratha Kranti Morcha, advocating for the Maratha community's inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation category. The rally aimed to mobilize community support for their reservation demand.

Patil, a prominent figure in the Maratha reservation movement, has been actively campaigning across Western Maharashtra since August 7. His tour has included districts such as Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Satara, and will culminate in Pune on August 11. The rallies have seen significant turnout from the Maratha community, showing their resolve for their rights.

Addressing the crowd, Patil accused the government of trying to create division and confusion among the Maratha community. He warned Fadnavis to cease conspiring against him: "If he doesn't stop, I will undertake a proper program against him."

Patil's rally, which started from Sarasbag and concluded at the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj statue in the Deccan area, is seen as a crucial step in gaining public support and pressuring the government to address the Maratha community's reservation demand.