Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra government minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Wednesday sharply criticized Manoj Jarange Patil, the prominent face of the Maratha reservation movement. He expressed concern over the aggressive language being used during the movement and the increasing protests.
Speaking to the media, Bhujbal said that after the recent cabinet meetings, the ministers collectively expressed their displeasure over the continuous personal attacks by Jarange Patil on the leaders, their families and administrative officials.
According to Bhujbal, after the cabinet meetings, many ministers expressed their deep displeasure over the objectionable language of Jarange Patil. He said Jarange Patil has targeted the Chief Minister's father, cabinet colleague Chandrakant Bawankule and even a woman district collector.
Describing Jarange Patil's campaign as an “uncontrollable train”, Bhujbal said, “Better late than never.” He said that now his colleagues have also started raising their voice against this increasing bitterness and sharp statements.
Recalling the incidents of violent protests and arson that took place in Beed district, Bhujbal said that during that time, houses and hotels of MLAs were set on fire while the police looked helpless. He also defended his decision to visit the affected areas and speak openly on the issue.
He said that the government had accepted 12 out of 13 demands of the agitators but one demand was outside the scope of law. Bhujbal raised questions about how far the government can go beyond legal limits to appease the protesters.
He said that the Other Backward Class (OBC) community should also get the benefits of the schemes and funds being allocated for the Maratha community equally so that their interests can be protected. He reminded the government that the Mahayuti alliance had the support of 60 to 70 per cent of OBC voters.
Rejecting claims that Jarrange Patil had helped former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the elections, Bhujbal attributed Mahayuti's victory to the government's welfare schemes, especially the Ladki Bahin scheme, and the leadership of Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.
He said that Jarange Patil first fielded candidates, later withdrew them and tried to defeat him especially in Yeola seat but despite this he was successful in winning the election.
Speaking on other political issues, Bhujbal said the state finance department should ideally come back to the NCP. He also supported the inclusion of Dhananjay Munde in the cabinet and described him as an influential leader of a large community. However, he clarified that the final decision will be taken by the party leadership only.