Maratha activist Manoj Jarange may not be fielding candidates in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, but his influence looms large, unsettling BJP’s prospects in Jalna, the epicenter of Maratha agitation, political observers said.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured three key constituencies in the district—Bhokardan, Partur, and Badnapur—and is striving to retain them despite shifts in the political and social landscapes. The party has renominated two-term MLA Santosh Danve, son of former Union minister Raosaheb Danve, from Bhokardan; Babanrao Lonikar from Partur; and Narayan Kuche from Badnapur.
Over the last five years, divisions within Shiv Sena and NCP and massive Maratha protests demanding reservations in jobs and education, led by Jarange, have reshaped local dynamics. Jarange has warned the BJP that the community could turn against its candidates in the November 20 polls, though he recently decided not to put forward candidates of his own.
Marathas comprise approximately 32% of Jalna’s population in the Marathwada region, which includes 46 assembly segments. In Jalna, BJP ally Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has fielded candidates for Ghanswangi and Jalna seats.
In Bhokardan, with 32 candidates competing, the main contest is between Santosh Danve and NCP (SP) candidate Chandrakant Danve, a three-term MLA. Observers have noted the “Jarange factor,” suggesting it played a role in Raosaheb Danve’s Lok Sabha loss in Jalna earlier this year. In 2019, Santosh Danve defeated Chandrakant by a 32,000-vote margin.
In Partur, two-time MLA and former minister Lonikar faces Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Asaram Borade and Congress rebel Suresh Jethliya, the former head of Partur’s municipal council. Borade and Jethliya’s presence may split votes, aiding Lonikar. However, the Maratha and Banjara communities are likely to be decisive in this constituency, observers said.
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In the reserved constituency of Badnapur, two-term MLA Kuche is challenged by Roopkumar Bablu Choudhari of the NCP (SP), with Maratha voters voicing discontent over Kuche’s record.
“The Maratha community is upset with the BJP, holding it accountable for failing to secure their reservation,” senior journalist Avinash Kavhale said. Jarange has urged the community to “teach a lesson” to those who have opposed their quota demands, he added.
(With PTI Inputs)