Sambhaji Raje Criticizes BJP For Ignoring Maratha Reservation

Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for causing divisions among political parties and overthrowing the government. He accused the BJP of wanting to eliminate opposition parties as part of a strategy to maintain control.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Sambhaji Raje announced that his political outfit, Swarajya Sangathana, would participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in 2024.

He pointed out that both the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena are part of the opposition as well as the ruling coalition. He questioned the role of the BJP in this situation and accused them of using a “divide and rule” policy.

Sambhajiraje urged his supporters to share videos in which Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis repeatedly stated that they would never join forces with the NCP.

He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments about the irrigation scam and questioned whether the BJP would take action against the NCP or if it was merely a campaign speech.

Sambhajiraje has been leading efforts to mobilize the Maratha community in demanding reservation rights, which were revoked by the Supreme Court two years ago. He has organized protests, including a hunger strike, to fight for the community’s rights.

His involvement in politics could potentially attract Maratha voters and impact the traditional support for the NCP, particularly in western Maharashtra.

The BJP responded to Sambhajiraje’s allegations, dismissing them as baseless. They claimed that he was targeting the BJP because he was not chosen for a second term as a Rajya Sabha MP.

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During the event, Sambhajiraje also commented on discussions about changing the state’s chief minister and challenged the possibility of Ajit Pawar becoming the chief minister.

He also questioned the BJP about their unfulfilled promises, such as the Maratha reservation and the construction of the Shiv Smarak in the Arabian Sea.

He asked why these initiatives have not been implemented, despite being announced nine years ago during the ‘Jal Pujan’ ceremony conducted by the Prime Minister.