Activist Calls Maratha Community to Gain Political Power in Upcoming Maharashtra Polls

Activist Manoj Jarange urges the Maratha community to acquire political power in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections to secure reservation in jobs and education. Jarange, who has led multiple hunger strikes for the Maratha cause, faces criticism from BJP leaders accusing him of harboring political ambitions.

Activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday urged the Maratha community to prepare for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls, emphasizing the need to gain political power to secure reservation in government jobs and education.

Addressing mediapersons at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, where he has staged multiple hunger strikes, Jarange expressed confidence that Marathas, who make up over 30% of the state's population, would come to power in the state elections.

The activist faces criticism from the BJP, with leaders like Pravin Darekar accusing him of keeping the reservation issue alive for political gains. Jarange denied political ambitions but admitted the necessity might compel him to enter politics. He has been demanding Maratha reservations under the OBC category, a stance opposed by OBC leaders.