Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, during a protracted speech lasting over an hour at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, declared his intention to embark on a march to Mumbai, where he plans to stage a protest outside the official residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Jarange levied serious accusations against Fadnavis, alleging a concerted effort to orchestrate his demise, a declaration that caught many of his supporters off guard.
In a dramatic turn of events, Jarange asserted that certain individuals were being coerced and tempted into fabricating falsehoods against him, attributing these machinations to Fadnavis. He emphatically asserted his readiness to commence the journey to Sagar bungalow, Fadnavis' official abode nestled in Mumbai's Malabar Hill, with unwavering resolve.
The pronouncement precipitated pandemonium among the gathered throng of supporters, triggering a chaotic scene as some attempted to wrest away Jarange's microphone. Undeterred by the commotion, Jarange reiterated his determination to undertake the arduous journey solo, emphasizing his reliance on nothing more than a humble walking stick for assistance.
Responding to Jarange's accusations, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Nitesh Rane issued a stern warning, cautioning Jarange of the formidable barrier posed by a multitude of party loyalists stationed en route to Fadnavis' residence. Rane further insinuated that Jarange's accusations were scripted, suggesting a calculated political agenda at play. Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar denounced Jarange's actions, asserting that the recent legislation granting 10 percent reservation to the Maratha community had addressed their concerns, rendering further protests unnecessary.
Bhatkhalkar further underscored Fadnavis' established reputation and asserted that the unsubstantiated allegations levied by Jarange would not tarnish the former Chief Minister's image. The unfolding saga serves as a testament to the intricacies of political maneuvering and underscores the challenges inherent in navigating contentious issues such as reservation quotas within the dynamic socio-political landscape of Maharashtra.
