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Many in the Maratha Mahasangh think it’s not a bad idea that Manoj Jarange Patil opted out of the poll race. One, in case he is unable to replicate the Lok Sabha performance, it would be a personal setback. Also, unlike in rural areas, the…Read More
The Maratha Mahasangh office in Shivaji Mandir, Dadar, Mumbai. Pic/News18
Amidst the bustling and crowded Dadar market in Mumbai is the small Maratha Mahasangh office in Shivaji Mandir. Old pictures of the Maratha agitation since the 1980s and 1990s lie on the table and have turned yellow with age.
The small office with a handful of staff hoped to see the election buzz with the Maratha strongman of the Marathwada belt, Manoj Jarange Patil, giving them hope. In this year’s April-June Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party received a shock, losing in this influential belt. Marathas here hoped to relive this magic during this month’s Maharashtra assembly polls. But then Jarange decided to withdraw from the electoral battle.
The feeling is mixed. President of the Maratha Mahasangh of Mumbai, who also runs a trade union, Dilip Jagtap, told News18 that the Maratha issue will remain alive even if they don’t contest. But many in private think it’s not a bad idea that Jarange Patil opted out of the poll race. One, in case he is unable to replicate the Lok Sabha performance, it would be a personal setback. Also, unlike in rural areas, the Maratha caste agitation may not find traction everywhere.
But those who are members of the Mahasangh give another spin. Says Prashant Sawant of the Mahasangh, “We are not interested in the thali. We know what we want to offer. Positions don’t matter. What matters is the agitation and we will ensure that we get reservations.”
Adds Mahasangh president Dilip Jagtap, “We know what happens when MLAs win. There is always the danger that they switch sides. We don’t want this. But yes, Jarange Patil’s agitation and hunger strikes won’t go to waste. We will ensure our mission is accepted.”
Sources say that Jarange Patil could indicate who to vote for. Both the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi and the ruling Mahayuti are watching and waiting with bated breath.
In Mumbai, Marathas form about 30% of the population and may not have a huge impact electorally. But in rural Marathwada, Jarange’s words could hold the key.
