The incident involving Kailas Borade, who was beaten up for entering a temple in Bhokardan village of Jalna district, has now taken a new turn. Laxman Hake, who is leading the ongoing agitation to protect OBC reservations, has responded to Manoj Jarange's allegations during a press conference held in Pune today.
In a recent press conference, Manoj Jarange presented a video claiming that Kailas Borade entered the temple in a half-naked and intoxicated state. Reacting to this, Jarange stated that strict action should be taken against individuals who desecrate religious places. He further demanded the implementation of a new law in Maharashtra, similar to the MCOCA Act, to address such cases. Jarange urged the government to pass this law in the upcoming legislative session.
Speaking to the media today, Laxman Hake countered these claims, saying, "Manoj Jarange recently addressed the press, and now I am doing the same. A Dhangar youth was brutally assaulted in Jalna on Mahashivratri. I have been working to ensure justice for him and have even approached the police regarding this case." Hake emphasized that Borade deserves justice and accused Jarange of making baseless allegations about Borade being intoxicated. He stated, *"Jarange showed a video in which Borade is allegedly drinking alcohol. However, he is a devotee of Mahadev, and he had gone to the temple for Mahashivratri. He did not engage in any anti-social behavior."
Hake further accused Jarange of instigating caste-based conflicts in the state."Jarange Patil is deliberately trying to create tensions between two communities,"* he alleged. Questioning Jarange’s claims, Hake asked, "Even if Borade was not fully clothed, does that justify his assault? Do temple priests and sadhus at the Kumbh Mela wear full attire at all times?"
Additionally, Hake criticized the alleged political backing Jarange receives, stating,"OBC leaders are being targeted under Jarange's agenda. Rohit Pawar's IT cell is actively supporting Jarange on social media. We demand an investigation into Jarange by the Home Ministry." He also warned that if the Chief Minister applies different standards of justice in such cases, they would launch protests on the streets.