Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil gave a series of interviews on Saturday and Sunday, reiterating that his community members would defeat those detrimental to their quota cause. Going by the statements he has made and the leaders he has named as Maratha bêtes noires, the BJP has emerged as his only target. The statement was strategic, made ahead of polling on Monday in 11 segments, most of which are dominated by Marathas. 

The covert campaign here has revolved around Maratha versus Other Backward Classes plank. The BJP is on the edge because it has candidates in 7 seats, a mix of rural and urban, in the fourth phase (May 13). Union minister Raosaheb Danve, Pankaja Munde, Raksha Khadse, Smita Wagh, Sujay Vikhe Patil and Murlidhar Mohol are among BJP’s seasoned candidates. Shinde Sena has three seats and NCP (Ajit Pawar) one.