Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 3: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has warned the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government that he would release more audio clips if attempts to allegedly bribe Maratha community members and turn them against him were not stopped.
The warning comes amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged audio recording involving a purported Rs 500-crore deal, which has already triggered a political controversy in Maharashtra. Jarange said the four audio clips that have surfaced so far were not the only recordings in his possession and claimed that he had several more.
Jarange issued the warning while speaking to the media after visiting the family of farmer Chandrakant Shinde in Nanded. Shinde was found dead at the office of a finance company. During the visit, Jarange met the bereaved family, enquired about their difficulties and contacted various ministers to seek assistance in resolving their problems. He also sought assurances regarding the family's future welfare.
"I do not have only four audio clips. I have many more. If the conspiracy to pay money to break Maratha community members and turn them against me does not stop, I will release more audio bombshells in the coming days," Jarange said.
Alleging that people were being paid to make statements against him, he questioned why certain individuals were opposed to his work for the Maratha community.
He said his demand was that children from the community should receive opportunities in education and employment and alleged that attempts were being made to obstruct their progress.
"Why should I not work for my community? Why are these people so jealous of me? Why should the children of my community not get opportunities in education and jobs? If there is anything wrong with you, take it up with me. Why are you targeting my community and creating difficulties for its children?" he questioned.
Jarange further alleged that some people wanted him to speak in their favour but said he would never compromise the interests of the Maratha community for political or personal considerations.
"I may accept death, but I will never betray my community. I will not belong to the government; I will stand with my community," he said.
He also indicated that he had political scores to settle in the 2029 elections, saying that several people would be held accountable when the time came. However, when asked whom he intended to target politically, Jarange declined to disclose names.
"Let the time come. It is not right to identify the targets now," he said.
Reiterating his demands concerning Maratha reservation, Jarange urged the state government to issue pending certificates, restore cancelled certificates and grant validity certificates to eligible beneficiaries.
He also demanded the distribution of Kunbi certificates in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazetteer and called for the issuance of government resolutions concerning the Satara and Kolhapur princely states.
Jarange said the government should fulfil these demands instead of making the poor and underprivileged children of the community suffer.
He reminded the government that the Maratha community had extended substantial political support and had stood behind its leaders, but warned that continued neglect would have consequences.
"If you have any differences with me, fight with me directly. Why are you taking it out on the poor children of the community? You will have to pay the price for this. I will not let this go," he said.
Jarange's latest remarks are likely to intensify the political debate surrounding the alleged Rs 500-crore audio controversy and the continuing demands for Maratha reservation in Maharashtra.