Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange to address rally in Jalna amid tight security

Manoj Jarange With CM Shinde/ X

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange is set to address a significant rally in Antarwali Sarathi village, located in Maharashtra's Jalna. The event, scheduled for Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing movement for Maratha quotas in jobs and education, an issue that has garnered significant attention and support in the state, stated a PTI report.

Manoj Jarange, who previously embarked on a 17-day hunger strike to advocate for Maratha quotas, saw his campaign gain widespread recognition after police action was taken against his supporters at the protest venue on September 1. This incident brought the issue to the forefront of Maharashtra's political landscape.

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Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's visit to Antarwali Sarathi during Jarange's hunger strike on September 14 marked a turning point. During this visit, the Chief Minister assured Jarange that the government would make every effort to address his demands and work towards providing quotas for the Maratha community. This commitment from the state leadership injected new energy into the campaign.

The upcoming rally, set to be held on a sprawling 160-acre plot, is expected to draw thousands of attendees, underscoring the widespread support for the Maratha quota cause. Bharat Mankar, an associate of Jarange and a prominent Maratha activist, told PTI that the level of organization and dedication that has gone into making the rally a grand success. Jarange, post his hunger strike, has tirelessly toured 13 districts, engaging in 75 meetings with community members. Additionally, he has benefited from the efforts of numerous volunteers committed to advancing the quota demand.

To ensure the safety and security of the event, a substantial contingent of police personnel has been deployed at the venue. This includes the superintendent of police, three additional SPs, six deputy SPs, 21 inspectors, 57 sub-inspectors, and 1000 constables. Additionally, an SRPF (State Reserve Police Force) contingent, as well as four bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS), will be on standby. Surveillance drones will be deployed to monitor the rally and maintain a heightened level of security, the PTI report added.

Despite the significant attention and support that Manoj Jarange's movement has garnered, there has been some debate regarding the role of politics in the initiative. Senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan emphasised that Jarange's efforts have the backing of the entire community and are not politically motivated. People from various walks of life have come together to support Jarange's cause, offering venues and other resources as he travels across the state to rally for Maratha quotas. Chavan's statement sought to clarify any misconceptions surrounding the movement's intentions, asserting that it is focused on addressing the community's concerns rather than pursuing political patronage.