Maharashtra Elections: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil withdraws from polls, says won't back any candidate

Manoj Jarange Patil

Manoj Jarange Patil, Maratha quota activist who had launched an indefinite fast demanding reservation for the Maratha community, has backed out of the Maharashtra polls and requested his candidates to withdraw their nominations.

The major U-turn by the Maratha quota activist comes a day after he said that he would back 10–15 candidates in the November 20 polls. Addressing the media in Jalna, Jarange, however, clarified that his decision was not taken under pressure.

“We have decided not to contest the elections. I have asked aspirants to withdraw their nominations… I have told my community that this is not our family business, we might be misled,” Jarange-Patil told reporters in Antarwali-Saraati in Jalna district on Monday. He also denied that he was taking the decision under duress. “There is no pressure on me,” said Patil.

He also stated that he will not extend support to any Independent candidate or political parties, Jarange-Patil also said he would not direct the Maratha community to defeat candidates. “I do not want to direct the Maratha community to defeat any candidates… The community has to take a decision in this regard,” he said.

Explaining the rationale behind his decision, the activist said "We are new in politics. If we field a candidate, and he loses, it will be a shame for the caste. Therefore, I request all the Maratha candidates to withdraw their nomination.".