Jarange Patil is looking to capitalise on the collective influence of Maratha, Muslim, and Dalit communities within selected constituencies
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – In a significant shift, Maratha Reservation Movement leader Manoj Jarange Patil has announced plans to field candidates in the upcoming assembly elections across Maharashtra. As part of a broader strategy aimed at securing the rights and representation of Maratha, Muslim, and Dalit communities, Jarange Patil’s initiative intends to create a united front in at least 10 constituencies.
In a statement highlighting the motivation behind this decision, Jarange Patil said, “We are not fond of contesting elections, but where we have been hurt, we will take revenge by fielding our candidates.” He emphasised that this political step is intended to respond to the grievances of the Marathas, particularly where they feel they have been marginalised or disregarded by existing representatives.
Jarange Patil is looking to capitalise on the collective influence of Maratha, Muslim, and Dalit communities within selected constituencies. He expressed confidence that, in areas where these communities hold substantial voter strength, their united support could decisively impact election outcomes. “We will field our candidate from assembly constituencies where there is a large number of Maratha, Muslim, and Dalit community voters,” he stated. Where direct candidacy is not feasible, Jarange Patil has pledged to support other candidates who back the Maratha reservation movement.
According to reports, Jarange Patil has identified several critical constituencies for fielding candidates, including Ber, Pratoor in Jalna, Phalambri in Aurangabad, and Pathri in Parbhani. These areas are expected to be pivotal battlegrounds, with candidates representing the movement’s goals to address the longstanding demands of Maratha reservations. “Wherever the Maratha community was harassed, revenge will be taken by defeating the candidates,” he added, signalling his commitment to mobilise support against those perceived to have neglected or undermined Maratha interests.
An important meeting has been scheduled for Sunday in Antarwali Sarati village, where Jarange Patil and his team will discuss candidacy plans with prospective candidates and finalise their strategy. According to sources, this gathering will serve as a platform to consolidate the Maratha reservation movement’s political agenda and make crucial decisions about the assembly race.
A report from ABP Majha suggests that Jarange Patil could ultimately field candidates in approximately seven constituencies, with the potential for further announcements as plans evolve.
