I will quit politics if Chief Minister says that I am blocking Maratha quota: Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: The Maha Yuti, including the BJP, received a big setback in the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP’s tally was reduced from 23 to nine. Therefore, it is being discussed if the party really gained from the alliance with the Shiv Sena (BT) and the NCP (AP).

However, the three alliance partners have decided to fight the State Assembly polls together. They have claimed that the seat-sharing talks are in the final stage. But Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has once again taken an aggressive stance, which may complicate matters for the BJP. Fadnavis has clarified on this.

Fadnavis participated in the India Today Conclave on Thursday, where he spoke at length on political issues. Fadnavis was asked how he and his party would face the State polls as Jarange Patil has taken an aggressive stance over the Maratha quota issue.

Replying to the question, Fadnavis launched a sharp criticism saying, “The quota problem is there. But it is important that we have given them reservations. A 10 pc quota is available for the Maratha community even today. Manoj Jarange Patil made many demands. I do not know if his current demand is final or not. He is adamant on the demand that the Marathas should get reservations under the OBC category.

“We held an all-party meeting, in which Sharad Pawar, Nana Patole, Uddhav Thackeray were present. All of them have signed a proposal, which says that the Maratha community should be given reservations but not under any existing category meant for other communities. Now, Manoj Jarange wants quota under the OBC category.”

‘I will quit politics’

Fadnavis said, “Manoj Jarange criticises me daily. He says that Devendra Fadnavis is not in favour of reservations. He has put a spoke in the proposal. I must tell him that the Chief Minister and the two Deputy Chief Ministers collectively take all decisions. If the Chief Minister tells me that he wants to decide on the Maratha quota but I am putting a hurdle in it, that very day, I will quit my office and leave politics.”

Fadnavis appeals to Jarange Patil

Fadnavis said, “Everybody knows why Jarange Patil accuses only me. I have told him clearly that he is against the BJP, he has been saying that the BJP is not approving the Maratha quota. You are supporting the parties, the three MVA partners, your followers worked for the three parties during the Lok Sabha. Take it in writing from them that if they come to power, they would get the Maratha quota sanctioned under the OBC category. Then you help them in the elections.

“This is all political. Many people are training their guns from someone else’s shoulder. But things are getting clear gradually. Therefore, it will not affect our poll prospects as people may be thinking.”