Maharashtra’s M- Factor : Manoj Jarange Patil

Amidst the fierce battle between Mahayuti & MVA in Maharashtra, one name that has caught the attention of voters is Manoj Jarange Patil also known as Manoj Raosaheb Jarange . 42 year old Maratha quota activist had kept both the alliances quizzing over his electoral moves and his decision to backout from the assembly elections and asking his candidates to take back their names from the ensuing polls has brought a breather to MVA.

Right from political analysts to TV debate presenters, all are debating the consequences of his U-turn for mahayuti and effect on MVA since Monday.

Why this sudden decision?

His decision to stay away from the assembly polls has upended the political strategies of both the alliances. On being quizzed about the reason for not taking part in the assembly election, Jarange Patil told media that he won't like to take the plunge relying only based on support from one community ( read Maratha) & expected support from Dalits & Muslims too but no response was received from them.

Also Read: Uddhav Thackeray Biography: Early Life, Education and Political Career

Who is Manoj Jarange Patil ?

Born on 1st August 1982 in Matori village, Beed district, & later settled in Jalna, Patil is known for his active voice demanding Maratha reservation and has launched many agitations including fast unto death in support of his demand. Initially his agitations, which became prominent after 2014, were centered around Satara but off late, his voice found resonance across several other Maratha dominated areas of the state.

It is said that it was because of his demand of Maratha reservation and litany of agitations which made a deep dent into the Mahayuti’s prospects in LS polls conducted a few months back. He is known to vehemently oppose mahayuti govenrment and last year CM Shinde had to assure him of meeting his demands.

Initially a Congress worker, he later founded Shivba Sangathana as a launch pad for his protests.

In what can be considered as his deep influence among Maratha community, As a mark of respect to him, A practice was seen of writing his name on the front page of marriage invitation cards amongst Maratha community.

A biopic on his life was also made by the name “Sangharsh Yoddha Manoj Jarage Patil” in Marathi language & was released in 2024.

Manoj Jarange Patil Family

Jarange Patil & his wife Sumitra are blessed with 3 daughters and a son. He is the youngest of four brothers and lives with his mother & father.

Starving for Change : Manoj Jarange Patil again on hunger strike demanding Maratha OBC quota

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has once again started his hunger strike, renewing his demand for reservation for Marathas under the OBC quota. This is his seventh hunger strike in the last few months.

Jarange has been calling for the implementation of a draft notification that acknowledges Kunbis as "sage soyare" (blood relatives) of the Maratha community, in order to secure reservation for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

Jarange made waves in Maharashtra politics with his demand for Maratha reservation and came into national headlines after his decision to contest the Maharashtra Assembly elections held last year. However, he later took a U-turn and decided against contesting the election.

His latest hunger strike has created fresh trouble for the Mahayuti government led by Devendra Fadnavis.

Jarange has also demanded the strictest action against the killers of Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

The murder of Santosh Deshmukh has already sparked a political row in the state, with the opposition targeting the NCP, a partner in the ruling alliance, over the issue.