Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has called off his hunger strike on the ninth day, following appeals from both the courts and state officials. His decision came as concerns grew about his deteriorating health due to his prolonged fast, which began on September 17.
Addressing his supporters at the protest site in Antarwali Sarathi village, Jalna, Jarange stated, “The courts have asked me to take care of my health,” urging his followers to remain patient as the movement for Maratha reservation continues. This marks his sixth hunger strike in pursuit of securing the OBC quota for Marathas in government jobs and education.
Over the last eight days, several Maharashtra ministers visited Jarange to assure him of their commitment to implementing Maratha reservation. Despite their efforts to convince him to end the hunger strike earlier, Jarange remained firm in his demand until Wednesday.
Antarwali Sarathi has become the focal point of the ongoing Maratha reservation movement, drawing significant political attention. While Jarange’s demand is to include Marathas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, the movement has sparked tensions, leading to counter-protests. OBC activists, including Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare, have been staging a demonstration just 2 km away in Wadigodri village, opposing the inclusion of Marathas under the OBC category.
The Maratha reservation debate continues to polarize various communities in Maharashtra as both sides await further developments.
