Maratha Reservation Activist Manoj Jarange Withdraws from Maharashtra Elections, Says One Caste Cannot Win Alone

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Jalna, 4th November 2024: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced that he will not be contesting the upcoming elections, citing a lack of support from allied parties. In a late-night discussion that stretched until 3 AM, Jarange and his supporters had anticipated receiving a list of allied candidates, but the list never arrived, leading to his decision to withdraw from the electoral race.

Addressing the Maratha community, Jarange explained that it is not feasible to fight the elections on the basis of caste alone. “The list of allies has not been given. It is impossible to win elections on the strength of one caste. Therefore, I have decided not to contest, and I request all of you to withdraw your applications as well. Our movement will continue after the elections,” Jarange said.

Jarange emphasized the challenges of fighting elections without broad political backing, stating, “Even powerful political parties need to unite to win. It’s not easy to navigate the political landscape alone.” He further explained that the Maratha community, despite its strength, cannot rely solely on caste-based support to succeed in elections.

“We had discussions with allies and our constituency was decided. But without the support of friendly parties, the Maratha community fighting alone will not be successful in the elections,” he added, urging his community members to reconsider their candidacies and focus on continuing their movement after the electoral process.

जरांगे पाटील यांचा धक्कादायक निर्णय महिन्याभरापासून सुरू असलेल्या प्रयत्नांवर पाणी

Despite stepping back from the election race, Jarange made it clear that the Maratha community’s ongoing movement for their rights would not be abandoned. “Our fight will resume after the elections,” he declared, emphasizing that his activism for the Maratha quota will continue irrespective of the election outcome.

Jarange also dismissed any pressure from political alliances such as Mahayuti or Maha Vikas Aghadi, saying, “There is no pressure from Mahayuti or Maha Vikas Aghadi. If anyone tries to pressure me, I will confront them directly. I won’t change my stance.”

Jarange concluded by stating that the movement’s goal remains unchanged and that electoral success would not define their fight for the Maratha cause.