Maratha vote decisive in 113 Maha assembly segments, says Jarange

Kolhapur: Reservation activist Manoj Jarange, speaking at Satara on Sunday morning, said the Maratha vote is the decisive factor in at least 113 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra. Moreover, the decision to either field candidates supporting the Maratha reservation or defeat those who oppose the quota for the community will be taken on Aug 29.
Jarange, who is out touring western Maharashtra for his Shantata (peace) rally, left for Pune after interacting with the media in Satara, where he had addressed a rally the day before.
On Saturday, while delivering his speech, Jarange had started feeling unwell and needed medical treatment. On Sunday, addressing the media, the quota activist said that the Marathas come first and then his health.
“Our demand has not changed since the start — reservation for Marathas under OBC. If govt fails to meet the demand, we will contest the assembly elections. We have done a detailed study, and do not doubt that BJP will be wiped out in Vidharbha and Marathwada. In the Mumbai region too, BJP will suffer losses. The Maratha community is decisive in 113 assembly segments. Whether to field candidates or defeat the candidates will be decided on Aug 29,” Jarange said.
He also criticized Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who said there is no need for reservation in Maharashtra and advocated for reservation based on economic criteria.
“He (Raj Thackeray) knows nothing about reservations. We never demanded reservation on economic criteria. Raj Thackeray should not impose his ideas on others,” said Jarange, and added that he has not asked his supporters to stop Thackeray from holding rallies or touring the state.