Maratha Quota Row: No Turning Back Till Demands Are Met, Says Activist Jarange As Protest Resumes
Jarange said that the delegation handed him certain documents, which he intends to discuss with his supporters before announcing the next steps in their protest.
Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange made it clear on Friday that he will remain committed to his agitation until the community secures reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. This came after a meeting with a government delegation, during which he addressed protestors at Shivaji Chowk in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, as reported by news agency PTI.
Jarange said that the delegation handed him certain documents, which he intends to discuss with his supporters before announcing the next steps in their protest.
Emphasising the unwavering nature of their stand, he said, "There is no going back on the agitation till we get reservation," as quoted by PTI.
Speaking to the reporters, Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar said that the demands of the activist have been acknowledged and will be met in accordance with the established government procedures. Kesarkar also stated that 37 lakh Kunbi certificates have already been issued, and this number is expected to increase to 50 lakh as the government works towards fulfilling the demands presented by the Maratha quota leader.
Earlier in the day, Manoj Jarange arrived in Navi Mumbai with a massive gathering of supporters, intensifying the demand for reservations for the Maratha community. Jarange reached the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) on the outskirts of Mumbai around 5 a.m. along with other Maratha activists by bikes, cars, jeeps, tempos, and trucks.
According to the plan, Jarange, along with his supporters, is set to begin his hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Friday. Undeterred by the Mumbai Police's notice denying permission for a hunger strike in the city, Jarange announced on Thursday that he will reach Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on January 26.
The key demand of the protesters is the grant of Kunbi (OBC) status to the Maratha community. The Mumbai Police issued a notice under Section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code that enables the police to prevent cognisable offences.
In the notice, the police said, “Mumbai is the financial capital of the country, and various financial institutions, international advocacy, and other financial centers are working in Mumbai. Approximately 60 to 65 lakh citizens travel by train and other means of transport for jobs in Mumbai every day. If the Maratha protestors reach the city in their vehicles, it will have an adverse effect, and the everyday transport system in the city will collapse,” as quoted by PTI.
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