Sarnaik backs Shinde against criticism, clarifies stand on Jarange

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After Manoj Jarange Patil withdrew his hunger strike and gave the government three months' time, political activity around the Maratha reservation issue has intensified again. Amid this, Minister Pratap Sarnaik made an important statement, clarifying his position on the criticism being directed at Eknath Shinde and on Jarange Patil.

Sarnaik said, \"Shinde is our leader. If anyone says anything against him, we will stand firmly with him.\" His remark comes at a time when there has been talk of a war of words between Jarange Patil and Shinde, which is why Sarnaik's statement is now being discussed.

Speaking about Manoj Jarange Patil, Sarnaik did not take an aggressive tone, but offered a clarification instead. He said, \"We have not used any wrong words about Jarange Patil. He too is our community's brother.\" He also made clear that the government will certainly consider Jarange Patil's demands within the coming three months.

During his agitation, Jarange Patil had set out his position on various demands related to Maratha reservation, including the Hyderabad Gazette. After meeting the government's delegation, he finally withdrew his hunger strike and gave the government three months' time.

During this period, Sarnaik also expressed displeasure with legislators who were absent from a District Planning Committee meeting. He said that in view of the drought situation, officials have been directed to prepare a scarcity plan. Sarnaik said clearly that it is necessary for public representatives to be present at such important meetings.

He also expressed displeasure over the absence of Tanaji Sawant and four other legislators. He further expressed hope that all public representatives would be present at important events such as the flag-hoisting on Marathwada Mukti Sangram Din, observed on September 17.

While Jarange Patil has given the government three months' time, reactions to his statements are coming in from Shinde's ministers. All eyes are now on what steps the government takes on the Maratha reservation issue over the coming three months.

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