Maharashtra Assembly Speaker orders SIT probe into controversial remarks by Jarange-Patil

Mumbai Maharashtra Assembly Speaker orders SIT probe into Maratha activist's remarks against Deputy CM Fadnavis.

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Tuesday instructed the State government to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a comprehensive inquiry into the contentious remarks made by pro-Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The issue was brought to light by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ashish Shelar during the Lower House proceedings, where he denounced provocative language that incites violence, stressing its incompatibility with democratic views.

He demanded an investigation into the ‘orchestrators’ behind Mr. Jarange-Patil’s actions, which he claimed aimed at creating ‘unrest’ in the western State.

The activist, addressing a gathering in Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on Sunday, alleged that Mr. Fadnavis, who is also the Home Minister, was attempting to harm him. He further declared his intention to march to Mumbai and protest outside the deputy CM’s residence. Mr. Jarange-Patil also raised concerns about a supposed poisoning attempt through saline, without providing additional details.

Mr. Shelar accused a conspiracy to destabilise Maharashtra and tarnish the Maratha community’s reputation, known for its courage and discipline. While expressing support for Mr. Jarange-Patil’s demands, he criticised the activist’s threatening remarks against his party colleague and senior BJP leader, Mr. Fadnavis.

Speaker Narwekar, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, directed the government to conduct an in-depth inquiry by forming an SIT.

Responding to the allegations, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis stated he harboured no complaints against Mr. Jarange-Patil and expressed confidence in the support of the entire Maratha community while underlining the SIT’s role in uncovering the source behind the activist’s statements.