Daijiworld Media Network - Beed

Beed, Oct 2: Pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil issued a firm ultimatum to the Maharashtra government on Thursday, urging immediate implementation of the September 2 government resolution (GR) for issuing Kunbi certificates to Marathas at the taluka level. Speaking at a Dussehra rally held at Narayan Gad, Jarange warned that failure to act swiftly would result in “tough decisions – peacefully, but firmly.”

Calling the GR a step toward fulfilling his long-standing dream of securing reservation for the Maratha community, Jarange expressed satisfaction with the resolution but sharply criticised the delay in its execution. “A resolution without action is useless,” he said, accusing certain scholars of creating unnecessary fear and confusion around the issue.

He reiterated that the Maratha community should not settle for a symbolic 10 per cent quota but instead demanded verifiable OBC heritage certification for all eligible Marathas. “Don’t provoke us,” he cautioned, “or we will be forced to act.”

In a surprising addition to his speech, Jarange pushed for agriculture to be recognised as formal employment. He proposed that farmers owning less than 10 acres of land should receive a monthly salary of Rs 10,000. He argued that this would not only support struggling families but also encourage youth to remain in farming. “Who wants an agricultural job worth Rs 10,000 a month?” he asked the crowd, prompting a sea of raised hands in response.

Touching on the recent destruction caused by heavy rains and floods across the state, Jarange demanded that the government declare a “wet drought” and provide immediate financial relief: Rs 70,000 per hectare for affected farmers and Rs 1.3 lakh per hectare for those with land along riverbanks. He also called for a complete loan waiver, crop insurance, and government jobs for the families of farmers who died by suicide.

“If these demands are not met by Diwali,” he warned, “there will be no Zilla Parishad or Municipal Council elections in the villages.” He vowed to block the polling process if the government fails to announce compensation and relief measures. “No ballot boxes, no election dates, until our farmers are given justice,” he declared.

Jarange also stated that if election schedules are declared without addressing these issues, government ministers will not be allowed to hold public meetings in Maharashtra.

Despite his declining health, Jarange affirmed his commitment to the cause: “I am a short-term guest in this world, but I am willing to sacrifice everything for the community. My body may be weak, but my spirit is strong.”

He urged the Maratha community to focus on gaining power through administration rather than confrontation. “Let’s not blame OBCs,” he added, “Instead, let’s unite and lead. If Marathas dominate governance, leaders will bow before us.”

Jarange ended his speech by emphasising unity, resilience, and the importance of a strategic, peaceful fight for rights — a message that resonated strongly with the crowd in attendance.