Eknath Shindes Strong Message to Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jarange: Dont Test Our Patience

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde cautioned Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange against challenging the governments patience after Jarange made serious accusations against Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. Shinde also criticized NCP leader Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena UBT.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued a stern warning to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday, cautioning him against testing the patience of the state government. Shinde's response came after Jarange made wild allegations against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of attempted murder and threatening to protest outside his residence in Mumbai.

Shinde Takes Aim at Jarange, Pawar, and Thackeray

In a public address at Antarwali Sarati earlier in the day, Jarange had claimed that Fadnavis was trying to kill him. He also announced his intention to march to Mumbai and stage a protest outside the deputy CM's residence. Shinde, while speaking to reporters on the eve of the Maharashtra legislature's session, expressed his displeasure with Jarange's actions and rhetoric.

"Those who are protesting again and again against the government must not test our patience. They should not create a law and order problem. I wonder why Jarange's speech looks like the script generally used by Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray," Shinde remarked, drawing a parallel between Jarange's language and that of the leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), respectively.

Jarange's Aggressive Stand and Use of Expletives

Responding to questions about Jarange's aggressive stance and the use of expletives in his speeches, Shinde assured that appropriate action would be taken as per the law. He expressed his initial belief in Jarange's sincerity as a Maratha community advocate but questioned the recent change in his demeanor.

"Earlier, I believed Jarange to be a genuine person fighting for the Maratha community. However, the words uttered by him today do not gel well with the political culture of the state. I wonder if someone is egging on him to use such language," Shinde stated.

Shinde Defends Fadnavis' Role in Maratha Quota

Shinde defended Fadnavis' commitment to the Maratha community, highlighting his efforts in forming a commission in 2018 and successfully passing a bill for Maratha reservation. He questioned why Fadnavis would work towards securing the Maratha quota if he was opposed to it.

"If Fadnavis was against the Maratha quota, why would he even form a commission in 2018 and get a bill for reservation for the community passed? The legislation was upheld by the Bombay High Court. There was no proper and timely representation in the Supreme Court. Who was chief minister then?" Shinde asked, referring to the tenure of Uddhav Thackeray, who led the undivided Shiv Sena at the time.

Jarange's Supporters Surprised by Sudden Announcement

Meanwhile, Jarange's sudden announcement to march to Mumbai surprised even his supporters. On his way to the state capital, he was made to rest at Bhamberi village in Jalna. Addressing a small gathering there, Jarange continued to criticize Fadnavis and the state government.

"I want to go alone to Mumbai. I will go there and bring back some good news. I can survive if I am beaten up, but there will be a problem if many Maratha supporters come along with me," Jarange said, expressing his determination to confront Fadnavis.

BJP State President Reacts to Jarange's Allegations

BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule also responded to Jarange's allegations, expressing his belief that Jarange was disillusioned. He highlighted Fadnavis' successful efforts in passing the Maratha quota bill and questioned why Jarange was bringing up the deputy CM's caste, which he had never used for political gains.

The escalating tensions between Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange and the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, have raised concerns about the potential for law and order disruptions. Shinde's warning to Jarange and his criticism of the activist's language and actions indicate a growing impatience within the government. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state will address the demands of the Maratha community and maintain stability.