Maratha Reservation Protest: Manoj Jarange Alleges Conspiracy to Kill Him During Mumbai March
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has alleged that there is a conspiracy to kill him and create violence during his planned march to Mumbai. Jarange said he would not back down from the agitation and maintained that the proposed march would remain peaceful.
Jarange Alleges Plot to Kill Him
Speaking on Sunday, Jarange-Patil claimed that attempts were being made to disrupt his planned Mumbai march and that there was a conspiracy to shoot him during the protest.
He said he was prepared to face the consequences but would not surrender or withdraw from the movement over threats.
Mumbai March Over Maratha Reservation
Jarange has announced a march from Jalna district to Mumbai, beginning September 15, over the demand for reservation for the Maratha community.
He plans to reach Mumbai and continue the agitation, including an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, according to reports.
The key demand of the agitation is the inclusion of eligible Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category through the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates.
Appeal for Peaceful Protest
While making the allegations, Jarange has maintained that the proposed march will be peaceful and democratic.
He has urged supporters to maintain discipline and avoid violence or provocation during the mobilisation.
Political and Law-and-Order Tension
The planned march comes ahead of and during the Ganesh festival, creating a significant law-and-order challenge for the Maharashtra administration.
The Bombay High Court has declined to prohibit Jarange from coming to Mumbai, while indicating that the government retains the authority to take necessary action concerning law and order.
Investigation Into Alleged Threats
Jarange's allegation of a conspiracy to kill him has added another layer of tension to the ongoing Maratha reservation agitation. The claims come as preparations intensify for the proposed march and large-scale mobilisation in Mumbai.
No independent confirmation of the alleged assassination plot was provided in the reports reviewed.