Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange opposes Eknath Shinde’s rally; security stepped up

On Sunday, a standoff unfolded surrounding Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's program in Parbhani, with Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil opposing the event. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Jadhav, who is joining Shinde in the program, has refused to cancel the gathering despite Jarange's warnings. The police have ramped up security in the city, and the district superintendent of police visited Jadhav's residence prior to Shinde's arrival.

Shinde is set to participate in a farmer-youth interaction at the district sports complex, an event expected to draw thousands of attendees, including local leaders and elected representatives. Jarange, who initiated an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district over Maratha reservation demands, has vehemently opposed the program.

He stated that the event should not take place and threatened that it could create difficulties for Shinde. Jarange further announced that he would respond to Shinde's challenge in Mumbai, with the date for his next move to be revealed on September 12. However, despite Jarange's stance, Jadhav has maintained that the program will proceed as planned, with preparations underway for about two weeks.