Those seeking Hindu unity denied reservation to Marathas: Jarange

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar: Sharpening attack on the BJP, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil said those seeking Hindu unity have ignored the concerns of Marathas and denied them reservation as he claimed the ‘Mahayuti’ government will suffer a drubbing in the Maharashtra assembly polls.

He alleged that the interests of every section of society were harmed under the present government and asserted that Marathas would show their might in the polls.

In an interview to PTI, the 42-year-old activist, who has rallied a large section of Marathas in support of his demand for OBC quota for them, alleged that those who claim to work for Hindu unity have used his community to target Muslims but ignored its genuine demands.

“If you claim Hindus are in danger, then what about Marathas? Can’t you see their children’s troubles? If you say Hindus are in trouble, then it is also your responsibility to ensure the welfare of Marathas.

“A Hindu opposes us when we demand reservation, but when they have to target Muslims, they need Marathas to run after them with sticks,” he said. He was reacting to the BJP’s slogans such as “batenge to katenge” and “ek hain to safe hain”.

“Who will cut Hindus,” Patil asked, noting that Marathas are the biggest Hindu caste in the state. “We will settle our issues among ourselves. We follow the Hindutva of Chhatrapati (Shivaji). We will look after ourselves, you mind your own business,” he added.

In his statements ahead of the November 20 assembly polls, Patil has refrained from directly naming any party but the common belief among his supporters is that he is against the incumbent, especially the BJP. In his comments, he gave clear indications of his view.

“The Maratha community understands very well whom to defeat. They understood it during the Lok Sabha polls, and they have understood it now. There is no confusion,” he said.

“Those who have been against reservation, Marathas will defeat them 100 per cent. They will not be spared,” he said, accusing the state government of denying the community quota.