Maratha Reservation Row: 'In 2029, You Will Be In Our Hands'; Manoj Jarange's Explosive Warning To Mahayuti

Pune: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange on Thursday launched one of his strongest attacks yet on the Mahayuti government, accusing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule of conspiring against the Maratha community following the cancellation of Kunbi caste certificates of several elected representatives.

The sharp remarks came after the Caste Scrutiny Committee invalidated the Kunbi caste certificates of four Maratha women public representatives from Marathwada. The development has once again brought the issue of Maratha reservation and Kunbi records into focus.

Addressing a press conference in Jalna, Jarange alleged that the government was deliberately issuing and later cancelling caste certificates to weaken the Maratha community.

“A new conspiracy is being hatched in the state. They issue the certificates themselves and cancel them themselves. This conspiracy is being carried out by CM Devendra Fadnavis and ministers of Eknath Shinde,” he alleged.

In a significant political shift, Jarange directly criticised deputy CM Eknath Shinde, saying it was the first time in three years that he was publicly naming the deputy chief minister.

“I am taking Eknath Shinde’s name for the first time in three years. I will prove how this government is ruining the Marathas,” he said.

Jarange alleged that the ruling alliance had adopted a planned strategy against the Maratha community and warned of political repercussions in the next Assembly elections.

“The government has plotted a conspiracy to defeat the Marathas. In 2029, you will be in our hands. We will take such revenge that you have never seen before. Leaders from the ruling alliance will not be elected even in numbers you can count on your fingers,” he claimed.

He also targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the cancellation of Kunbi certificates and the Jyoti Dahihande case.

“Fadnavis, you unnecessarily messed with the Marathas. Stop targeting the community through Maratha ministers. If I decide to take on this issue, I will not back down,” he said.

Jarange further accused revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule of seeking cancellation of Kunbi certificates and demanded a narco-analysis test on him.

“Bawankule asked for the cancellation of Kunbi certificates. Conduct a narco test on him. Did you cancel these certificates for money?” he alleged without providing evidence.

Criticism of Eknath Shinde

Jarange accused Shinde of allowing leaders opposed to the Maratha reservation movement to gain influence and questioned his commitment to the community.

“We stood by you and helped you politically. Are you now playing a double game? If you want friendship with the Marathas, stand firmly with us,” he said.

He alleged that meetings were being held against him at the residence and educational institution of leaders associated with the Shinde faction.

Jarange also claimed that Maratha workers had worked extensively during elections to support candidates from Shinde’s party.

“My community worked tirelessly for your candidates. Do not forget that. If this continues, we will make sure many of your candidates lose in the future,” he warned.

He also remarked that if the situation continued, people would begin saying that former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had treated the Maratha community better.

Calls Out BJP Leaders

Jarange questioned why senior Maratha leaders, including Narayan Rane, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Ashok Chavan and Ashish Shelar, had remained silent on the issue.

He also criticised ministers Atul Save and Prasad Lad while alleging that efforts were being made to politically isolate him because he was not aligned with any political party.

“The government cannot control me, so they want to isolate me because I belong to neither the BJP, Congress nor Shiv Sena,” he claimed.

Uday Samant Calls Jarange During Press Conference

In a notable development, Industries Minister Uday Samant telephoned Jarange while the latter was addressing the press conference.

Jarange told Samant that he was disappointed with the cancellation of caste certificates and alleged that meetings were being organised against him by leaders linked to the Shinde faction.

Responding to Jarange, Samant said he would first examine how the caste certificates had been cancelled.

“I will look into the matter. I have already given a statement on this issue. I will speak to Devendra Fadnavis and also discuss it with Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil,” Samant said during the call.

He added that the cancellation of caste certificates of public representatives had sent a wrong message across Maharashtra.

Jarange urged Samant to ensure that the caste certificates of the affected public representatives were restored.

Samant asked Jarange to send him the details and copies of the four disputed certificates on WhatsApp, saying he would discuss the matter with Chandrashekhar Bawankule and call him later in the day.

The latest confrontation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over Maratha reservation. The controversy intensified after several Maratha public representatives resigned from their posts following the cancellation of their Kunbi caste certificates. Jarange has repeatedly alleged that genuine Maratha applicants are being denied access to historical records required to obtain Kunbi certificates, while the state government has maintained that caste verification is carried out through the legally prescribed scrutiny process.