Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has made a significant announcement ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Speaking at a rally in Antarvali village in Jalna district, he stated that his organisation, the Maratha Kranti Morcha, will announce candidates for certain constituencies.
However, he emphasised that their focus is on supporting candidates who align with their demands regarding the Maratha quota. Jarange Patil explained that they plan to field candidates in areas where they believe they have a chance of winning.
He specified that in constituencies where Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates are contesting, regardless of the political party, they will not field their own candidates.
Instead, they intend to support those candidates who can provide written assurance that they support the Maratha community's demands. This approach reflects their strategic thinking as they seek to maximise their influence in the elections while also showing solidarity with other marginalised communities.
During his speech, Jarange Patil expressed a firm commitment to continue the agitation for Maratha reservation, regardless of electoral outcomes. He stated that the community's struggle will not end with the elections, insisting that the demands for reservation must be met.
He called upon his supporters to promise that they would keep the movement alive until their goals are achieved. This determination highlights the enduring nature of the Maratha community's struggle for recognition and rights.
While Jarange Patil is a prominent figure in the movement, he clarified that he does not aspire to enter politics himself. He values the opinions and desires of his community above his personal ambitions.
He mentioned that while he has received responses from the people gathered at the rally, he believes it is crucial to prioritise the collective voice of the community.
He emphasised the importance of unity within the Maratha community, especially when it comes to decisions about political strategies and candidate support. Jarange Patil urged his supporters to avoid division over these issues, as such discord could weaken their movement.
The demand for Maratha reservation has been a longstanding issue in Maharashtra. Jarange Patil and his supporters have organised numerous rallies, peace marches, and hunger strikes over the years, all aimed at pressuring the government to grant them the recognition they seek.
They have been advocating for the classification of Marathas as Kunbis, which would allow them to be included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. This classification is seen as vital for securing reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.
In a notable development, the Maharashtra Assembly passed the Maratha quota bill on February 20, granting 10 percent reservation for Marathas in government jobs and educational institutions. However, previous attempts to secure similar reservations have faced legal challenges.
The Supreme Court had struck down earlier acts that exceeded the 50 percent reservation ceiling, raising concerns about the constitutionality of such measures.
As the assembly elections approach, the Maratha Kranti Morcha's strategy appears to be a calculated effort to navigate the political landscape while remaining true to their core demands.
By supporting candidates who commit to their cause and refraining from contesting in certain constituencies, they aim to strengthen their position in the political arena. Jarange Patil's leadership and the community's collective resolve will be crucial as they continue to advocate for their rights.
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