Marathas erred in backing some leaders, they are now creating hurdles in getting reservation: Manoj Jarange-Patil

Jarange-Patil had said he didn’t want to attach any importance to Chhagan Bhujbal, who had lashed out at him at a rally last week.

Jarange-Patil said this was the right time for the Maratha community to get reservations in schools and jobs. (Express photo)

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Without naming Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Manoj Jarange-Patil, who is currently spearheading the Maratha community’s agitation for reservation, said on Monday their forefathers had supported the wrong people.

While speaking at a rally in Kharadi, which witnessed a massive turnout of residents of Pune, Jarange-Patil said, “Those whom our forefathers backed have become prominent people. And these people are not bothered about the plight of the Maratha community. Our forefathers erred in supporting and trusting the wrong people. Today, our children are crying for help, urging them to lend a helping hand. But they are not even ready to listen to them”.

A bike rally was also taken out in the city by the Maratha community.

At the OBC rally in Ambad in Jalna on Friday, Bhujbal, who has been opposed to giving reservations to Marathas under the Other Backward Class category, had warned the BJP of the wrath of the OBC community.

As he said granting reservations to Marathas in the state would lead to a face-off between the Marathas and OBCs, SCs, STs, and Muslims in the state, the Maharashtra food and civil supplies portfolio in the Eknath Shinde-led coalition government, had also hit out at Jarange-Patil.

Also Read | With rally on Maratha quota leader’s home turf, Chhagan Bhujbal thunders back into reckoning

In response to Bhujbal’s comments against him at the well-attended Ambad rally, Jarange-Patil had said he didn’t want to attach any importance to the minister.

Jarange-Patil said, “People whom the Maratha community backs are now ready to turn their backs and don’t even enquire about the condition in which our children are living. They have achieved status in society and are not ready to give any thought to the condition of the children of Marathas. People whom our forefathers backed and helped in their growth are now trying to create hurdles in our efforts to get reservation”.

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Also Read | Cracks in OBC unity: Chhagan Bhujbal’s statement will create rift in Maharashtra, say Congress leaders

Jarange-Patil said this was the right time for the Maratha community to get reservations in schools and jobs.

“We will never have the opportunity to get reservation in the future. Some people had taken a vow that Marathas should not get reservation. They have succeeded in their attempt. But now we should be ready to struggle and ensure success for the sake of the future of our children,” he said.

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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