Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – In a surprise turn of events, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has stepped back from his plan to field candidates in 25 constituencies in Maharashtra’s upcoming legislative assembly elections, creating ripples in the state’s political landscape. Jarange Patil, who had recently pledged support for a slate of candidates to champion Maratha rights, announced today that he was withdrawing from the race, citing a lack of support from allied Dalit and Muslim organizations.
The decision comes after Jarange Patil’s declaration just days ago that he would actively back candidates who would advocate for Maratha rights, urging voters to support them. However, in a press briefing this morning, he explained that the anticipated backing from other community organizations had not materialized, prompting his decision to step aside. He urged Maratha youth who had filed nominations to withdraw, indicating that his role as an activist, rather than a politician, remains his priority.
This development has sparked mixed reactions among Maratha community leaders and supporters, many of whom saw Jarange Patil’s initial stance as a potential challenge to Maharashtra’s two main political blocs—the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition and the Mahayuti alliance. Analysts note that, during the previous general elections, Maratha quota activism had dented the ruling BJP’s prospects in Marathwada, with the MVA securing seven out of eight key seats in the region.
By stepping away from the assembly elections, some political observers suggest that Jarange Patil may unintentionally aid the ruling coalition, which could benefit from a divided vote share among opposition factions. On the other hand, had his candidates entered the fray, they could have diluted support for the MVA’s rivals, ultimately benefiting the BJP-led alliance.
Jarange Patil clarified his stance, asserting that he supports neither alliance. “I am not here to play politics,” he said. “My fight is for the rights of the Maratha community and farmers’ welfare. I am leaving it up to the voters in each constituency to decide with their conscience who will truly champion Maratha reservation.”
With Maharashtra’s one-phase election set for November 20 and results expected on November 23, Jarange Patil’s decision has added an unexpected layer of intrigue, as political parties recalibrate their strategies in response to this latest shift.
