Maharashtra: Maratha Reservation Activist Manoj Jarange Ends 17-Day Fast After Meeting CM Eknath Shinde

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange ended his 17-day hunger strike after he met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde meets Manoj Jarange Patil

Source : PTI

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Thursday ended his hunger strike after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held a meeting with him. Jarange had been sitting on a hunger strike for the last 17 days demanding reservation for the Maratha community in the state. On Thursday morning, Shinde along with some of his ministerial colleagues, visited Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, where the protest was on, and met Jarange, as per a report by PTI. 

Jarange, who started his hunger strike on August 29, broke his fast by drinking a glass of juice offered to him by CM Shinde. 

Speaking at the occasion, Shinde announced that his government was committed to providing reservation to the Maratha community. 

"Manoj Jarange's fight is not for any personal demand and that is why it received so much support from the community. In the past, the government provided reservation, but it could not survive in the Supreme Court," Shinde said.

The Thursday development came two days after Jarange announced that he is ready to conclude his indefinite hunger strike but will continue to be at the protest site until the Maharashtra state government commences the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to the Maratha community hailing from the Marathwada region.

"I am ready to give the state government one month's time so that the committee prepares a report. I have made it clear to the state government that whether its report is positive or negative, it will have to start issuing Kunbi caste certificates to the Maratha community," Jarange told a gathering. 

"I am walking two steps backward so that the defamation of my community stops. I am ready to withdraw my fast, but I will not vacate this place," he added.