CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Mumbai: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has expressed support for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde amid the ongoing controversy surrounding an alleged ₹500 crore transaction. However, Jarange has made it clear that his support in this particular controversy does not mean he will compromise on the Maratha community’s reservation demands.
Speaking to reporters on October 26, Jarange said he believed that Shinde was being personally targeted and called for an investigation into whether there was a conspiracy to damage the deputy chief minister’s political career. He stated that he was prepared to stand by Shinde in the matter, while maintaining that he would continue to hold him accountable over the reservation issue.
The controversy follows Jarange’s earlier allegations that senior political leaders had told him that ₹500 crore had allegedly been linked to an attempt to stop the Maratha reservation agitation. He had sought clarification regarding the alleged role of Shinde and his son, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde. The allegations have triggered political exchanges in Maharashtra.
Jarange has demanded an impartial investigation into the matter and urged the state’s senior leadership to ensure that the facts are established. Questions have also been raised about the authenticity of an alleged audio recording connected to the controversy. Its authenticity and the claims surrounding it have not been independently established, and some political figures have raised the possibility of artificial-intelligence manipulation.
Shinde has rejected the allegations and challenged Jarange to provide evidence to the appropriate authorities. The dispute has drawn reactions from leaders across the political spectrum.
Meanwhile, Jarange has reiterated that the Maratha reservation issue remains his primary concern. He has maintained pressure on the Maharashtra government to fulfil its commitments, including facilitating Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas so they can access reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
The latest statement highlights Jarange’s attempt to distinguish his position on the alleged controversy from his continuing campaign for reservation. He has indicated that political support in one matter will not prevent him from raising questions about the government’s handling of Maratha community demands.
Hashtags: #MaharashtraState #Bhopal #Manoj #Jarange #Backs #Shinde #Refuses #Maratha #Reservation #ManojJarangeBacksShinde
