Jarange Begins Hunger Strike In Mumbai, Calls It ‘final fight’ For OBC Status
Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jararange, who started a hunger strike in Mumbai on Friday, promised the community to continue his agitation by the Maharashtra government until he reserves in the other retrospective class category. He threatened to stop buying water in the next two days.
Jararange, “I’m ready to sacrifice my life. Even if the government hit me, I will not withdraw. Mumbai’yi only after our request for a reservation for Marathhas. However, the quota request is not accepted quickly,” he said.
Mumbai police allowed Jararange to organize peaceful protests in Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Friday. However, then the police allowed a hunger strike for a day.
In the early hours of the morning, Azad Maidan, near the Mantraral (State Secretariat) in Southern Mumbai, joined Jararange Patil in his protests to demand a reservation for thousands of supporters Maratha community. The activist started his march from Antarwali Saratii in Jalna region on Wednesday and was greeted by fans while entering Mumbai. Later, thousands of supporters went to Azad Maidan, where he received a pleasant welcome from sports saffron caps, scarves and flags.
However, CSMT witnessed great traffic thieves who discomfort to people who went to the office. The central railway advised passengers to travel to CSMT if necessary and inevitable.
Jararange Patil hit the Maharashtra government for allowing a hunger strike. Kota Activist, “instead of giving a day extension, instead of making reservations, instead of playing these games, poor maraats will bless you forever. You have the opportunity to win the heart of poor Marathas,” he said.
BJP Mla Suresh Dhas visited Azad Maidan and met with Jararange Patil in the number of reservations. “I will discuss the issue with the Prime Minister and find a suitable solution, Dhas Dhas said.
Jararange demands a reservation for the Maratha community under the other retrospective classes (OBC) category. He wants all Marathhas to be recognized as Kunbis, an agricultural intent that is included in the OBC category, which will make them suitable for reservation in state affairs and education.
The activist also accused the government of trying to divide Marathas and Obcs. “We never told you to reduce the OBC quota and give it to us. We ask what our rights are. This is our last fight,” he said.
In the meantime, CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the state government has discussed the problem of a Maratha quota and will find a constitutional valid solution on the issue.
“Although the Maharashtra government depends on the socio-economic rise of Marathhas, it cannot make political pressure on unreasonable demands that will lead to injustice to OBCs,” Fadnavis said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the state government, “Maratha community was used and deceived in the past, and now Mahayuti in power, demands should be fulfilled,” he said. He also called on the government to establish dialogue with Jararange.
