Manoj Jarange defiant, alleges government pressure behind ED probe into aides

Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been leading the agitation for Maratha reservation, has again launched a sharp attack on the state government. Speaking to the media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jarange said that no matter how much trouble the government tries to create, he will not back down from the fight for Maratha reservation. He said he would continue the struggle rather than compromise or grow close to the government.

"Be careful, stay alert. The night belongs to the enemy, they are hatching conspiracies. They are creating trouble for those who are working. Inquiries are being pushed through under pressure. So stay united. Have the courage to face the crisis," Jarange said, calling on his supporters to be ready to face difficulties. "We have no one but ourselves," he said, urging the community not to abandon its unity under any circumstances. "But let me tell you, even if I die, I will not surrender to them," Jarange warned.

While ending his 20-day hunger strike, Jarange had given the state government a three-month deadline to act on the demands related to Maratha reservation. He had suspended the fast after talks with a government delegation, but had made clear at the time that the agitation was not over. He had said the movement would be taken forward if the government failed to act on the demands as expected.

Jarange has now alleged that attempts are being made to defame him during this three-month period. Asserting that he would not change his stand due to pressure or inquiries, he repeated his position: "Even if I die, that is fine, but I will not surrender." The standoff between the state government and Jarange over Maratha reservation has once again come into focus as a result.

Some of Jarange's associates have faced allegations relating to financial dealings and an alleged sand business. It has come to light that his former associate Ajay Barskar has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate. These allegations have been made by Barskar and are being independently investigated; they should not be taken as proven. Jarange, however, has said these developments are an attempt to pressure people involved in the agitation. Earlier too, after news emerged of income tax inquiries into his associates, he had criticised the government while also saying he was ready to face the inquiry.

Referring to his health, Jarange said his hunger strikes on behalf of the Maratha community have had a serious effect on his body, and that doctors had described his condition as very serious. Despite this, he once again underlined that he would not back down from the demand for Maratha reservation.