Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jarange Ends Hunger Strike, Says Agitation For Demands Will Continue

Activist Manoj Jarange suspends 17-day fast but persists on demand for Kunbi caste certificates to extend Maratha reservation benefits.

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil ended his 17-day-long fast on Monday ( Image Source :ANI )

Activist Manoj Jarange announced the suspension of his 17-day hunger strike on Monday, maintaining his stance on the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to extended family members of Marathas. Despite ending his fast, Jarange reiterated his commitment to the cause until the Maharashtra government addresses his demands, news agency PTI reported. This decision coincides with the commencement of the budget session of the state legislature in Mumbai.

Last week, both houses of the state legislature passed a bill providing 10 per cent separate reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs. However, Jarange, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike since February 10 at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, remained steadfast in his demand for Maratha quota under the OBC category.

According to PTI, Jarange stated, "Although I am suspending my agitation (hunger strike) today, there will be 3 to 4 youths who would sit here and fast every day for our demands. I will also visit some villages and explain my stand to them." He emphasised the challenges faced by individuals trying to meet him due to restrictions imposed by the home department.

#WATCH | Jalna, Maharashtra | Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil broke his 17-day-long fast earlier this afternoon.

He says, "I will be in the hospital for a day or two and then visit each village to meet the members of Maratha community." pic.twitter.com/Ru2TSxFzsv

— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2024

Maharashtra CM, Home Minister Would Face Consequences: Jarange On Police Complaints Filed Against Him

When questioned about the police complaints filed against him, Jarange appeared undeterred, stating, "If they want to prosecute me, I have no issues, but (by doing so) they will invite trouble. People would get angry, and the CM and the home minister would face consequences. It is their call now."

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in response to certain allegations made by Jarange against Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, cautioned the activist, urging him not to test the patience of the state government. Jarange had previously made references to Fadnavis's caste, a Brahmin.

Jarange had expressed skepticism about the legal validity of the Maratha quota bill. In response to his hunger strike, the government issued a draft notification stating that Marathas with proof of belonging to the agrarian Kunbi community would enable their blood relatives to obtain Kunbi caste certificates. Jarange has been advocating for Kunbi certificates to be issued to all Marathas to ensure eligibility for quota benefits.

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