Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on Sunday attacked Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis alleging that he was turning the Maratha leaders against the Maratha community. For the first time, the BJP's Maharashtra unit has reacted to Patil's statement and advised him to desist from targeting Fadnavis 'or else "face the wrath of Marathas.'' Speaking to reporters in Latur on Sunday, "Initially, Devendra Fadnavis showed how large-hearted he is. We started trusting him. Now, he is again trying to needle us.This is because those who are speaking against Maratha reservation include BJP leaders who belong to Maratha community. These leaders are close to Fadnavis.'' Advising Fadnavis ''not to put poison of his mind'' in the minds of Maratha leaders, Jarange-Patil said, ''Maratha community is currently observing peace. I request Devendra Fadnavis to let us be. He should not try to poison the minds of Maratha leaders, and through these leaders, try to create unrest people." Urging the Deputy Chief Minister to rein in his leaders, the activist said, "Fadnavis should control his leaders or else he should declare his stand publicly. If he does not control those leaders, we will expose all his deeds.'' "Fadnavis should also clear his stand regarding the cases filed against Maratha youths. Otherwise, the Maratha community will retort strongly after the session of the state legislature is over," he said. Earlier, Jarange-Patil had held Fadnavis, who is also the Home Minister, accountable for the police lathicharge on villagers who were protesting for Maratha reservation in Jalna's Antarwali-Saraati village on September 1. He had asked the BJP to expel Fadnavis not only from the party but also from Maharashtra. Targeting Bhujbal over his Indapur speech, Jarange-Patil said, ''Bhujbal is an untrustworthy man. He is a casteist. No matter how much he tries, he won't be able to create a rift between OBC and Maratha community. Both the communities are close to each other in the rural parts of Maharashtra. The OBCs, the Dhangars, Dalits, Banjara and Lingayats all are together. Bhujbal is purposely trying to create unrest for his politicial convenience.'' Addressing an OBC rally at Indapur in Pune district on Saturday afternoon, Bhujbal targeted Jarange-Patil stating that the Maratha activist had become a law unto himself and also took potshots at the government over the law and order situation in the state. Nitesh Rane, spokesperson for Maharashtra BJP, said, "It is Fadnavis who had first given reservation to Maratha community. He had implemented severel projects for the welfare of Maratha community. If Jarange-Patil is going to target Fadnavis, then he should remember, he will be up against the Marathas.''
