Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Wednesday, 16 September launched a pointed attack on Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, condemning his escalating rhetoric and calling out what he described as unbridled verbal attacks on political leaders, their families, and administrative officials. The broadside came as the Maratha quota agitation continues to roil Maharashtra's political landscape.

Cabinet Ministers Voice Collective Outrage

Minister Bhujbal disclosed that cabinet colleagues had recently expressed deep frustration over Jarange Patil's conduct in informal discussions following official cabinet sessions. He revealed that the activist had targeted the Chief Minister's father, cabinet colleague Chandrakant Bawankule, and even a female District Collector — remarks that, according to Bhujbal, crossed all acceptable limits.

Describing Jarange Patil's campaign as an 'unstoppable train', the minister said, 'Better late than never', welcoming the fact that colleagues had finally begun speaking out against the mounting vitriol. He indicated that the silence from within government had gone on too long.

Beed Unrest and the Limits of Accommodation

Bhujbal recalled the severe unrest in Beed, where MLAs' houses and hotels were reportedly torched while police were rendered ineffective. He defended his decision to speak publicly and visit the affected areas, framing it as a matter of accountability rather than provocation.

He noted that the government had already accommodated 12 out of 13 demands put forward by the agitation, but that the remaining demand was, in his assessment, legally untenable. 'How far can authorities bend legal rules to appease protesters?' he questioned, signalling a firm stance on the unresolved sticking point.

OBC Interests and the Quota Debate

The minister argued that any funds being directed toward the Maratha community must be extended equally to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to protect their entitlements. He reminded the government that 60 to 70 per cent of OBCs had voted for the Mahayuti alliance, implying that their interests cannot be sidelined in any quota settlement.

Bhujbal also dismissed claims that Jarange Patil's mobilisation played a decisive role in the Mahayuti coalition's recent electoral success. He instead attributed the victory to welfare initiatives such as the Ladki Bahin scheme and to the leadership of Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis. Notably, he pointed out that despite Jarange Patil fielding and then withdrawing candidates — and specifically targeting Bhujbal in his own Yeola constituency — the minister retained his seat.

NCP's Claims on Finance Portfolio and Dhananjay Munde

Turning to other political matters, Minister Bhujbal stated that the Finance portfolio should ideally return to the NCP within the coalition arrangement. He also voiced strong backing for Dhananjay Munde's inclusion in the state cabinet, describing him as an influential leader representing a large community — while clarifying that the final call rests with party leadership.

As the Maratha agitation enters a fresh phase, the public rift between state ministers and Jarange Patil is likely to intensify pressure on the Mahayuti government to find a legally defensible resolution before tensions spill further into administrative and electoral territory.