Mumbai: Maratha reservation activist, Manoj Jarange, stirred controversy on Sunday as he declared his intention to march to Mumbai and protest outside the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, whom he accused of attempting to harm him.
Jarange's unexpected announcement came at the conclusion of a lengthy speech in Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, where he levied multiple accusations against Fadnavis, taking his supporters by surprise.
"Some individuals are being coerced and tempted to fabricate allegations against me. Fadnavis is orchestrating these schemes. He aims to eliminate me. I am prepared to march straight to Sagar bungalow (Fadnavis' official residence in Mumbai's Malabar Hill) without delay," stated Jarange.
The declaration incited chaos among his supporters gathered at the site, with some attempting to seize his microphone. Undeterred, Jarange insisted on embarking on his solitary march to Mumbai, expressing a need for only a walking stick for support.
Jarange attributed the sudden allegations against him to the passing of the Maratha quota bill in the Maharashtra legislature on February 20, questioning the timing of these accusations.
Accusing Fadnavis of employing "Brahminical tactics", Jarange clarified that his grievances were not directed at "all Brahmins".
In response, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Nitesh Rane cautioned Jarange, asserting that he would encounter staunch opposition from party workers if he attempted to reach Fadnavis. Meanwhile, BJP leaders Atul Bhatkhalkar and Ashish Shelar dismissed Jarange's allegations, highlighting the recent legislative approval of 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community and defending Fadnavis' reputation.
As tensions escalate, Jarange's planned march to Mumbai looms, prompting cautious responses from political circles amidst a backdrop of mounting controversy.