Maharashtra: Jarange Alleges State Government Trying To Incite Riots

“If anyone comes in our way, I will not spare them, whether it is Shinde, Fadnavis or Dada,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Vikhe Patil had apparently targeted NCP founder Sharad Pawar, saying the present situation could have been avoided had the Maratha reservation issue been addressed when the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented in 1994.

“If the Maratha community had been included under the Mandal Commission framework in 1994, the present situation would not have arisen. It is the sin of the person who was the Chief Minister in 1994,” Mr. Vikhe Patil said in an apparent reference to Mr. Pawar, who was Maharashtra Chief Minister at the time.

Mr. Vikhe Patil, however, said the present government was making efforts to resolve the issue. He also said a draft related to the demands raised by the Maratha quota activist had been submitted to the Jalna district collector.

Responding to the ministers’ statements, Mr. Jarange-Patil questioned the government’s approach to negotiations and took particular aim at Mr. Vikhe Patil and Mr. Samant. “Have Vikhe Patil and Samant lost their minds? Are they under some kind of influence? What kind of response are you expecting? Should we grab you by the throat? Did we ever ask you not to come?” he said.

Mr. Jarange added that government representatives were welcome to hold talks, but should bring all relevant government resolutions (GRs) with them. “If you want to come, bring all the GRs,” he said.

Responding to Mr. Vikhe Patil’s remarks about Mr. Pawar’s tenure as Chief Minister, Mr. Jarange accused the minister of trying to create a conflict within the Maratha community. “You only want to create the same conflict. Sharad Pawar was there, but who else was there? They may have ruined us, but have you done any less?” he asked.

Mr. Jarange also challenged Mr. Vikhe-Patil to make the necessary recommendations instead of blaming previous governments. “Now you make the recommendation. You are the god of the Marathas; why are you pointing fingers at others?” he said, adding that he would wait until September 12.

The quota activist further alleged that government delegations came to meet him only after his health had deteriorated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jarange-Patil refused intravenous fluids and other medical treatment despite doctors warning that his health was rapidly deteriorating. His indefinite hunger strike over the Maratha reservation issue entered its fifth day on Wednesday, prompting the Jalna district administration to appeal to him to end the fast. A medical officer monitoring his condition said his blood sugar level had dropped.