Jarange-Patil goes on another indefinite hunger strike as 40-day ultimatum ends

By: Pune Pulse

October 25, 2023

Pune: Manoj Jarange-Patil, an activist from Jalna, has initiated yet another hunger strike at Antarwali Sarathi village. His primary demand is the implementation of the Maratha quota.

Earlier, Jarange-Patil had given the Maharashtra government a 40-day ultimatum to establish reservations for the Maratha community in educational institutions and employment. He commenced his hunger strike on August 29 in the village but ended it on September 14 when Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived and assured him of the Maratha reservation.

However, expressing disappointment with the government’s lack of commitment, Jarange-Patil informed reporters that he would resume his fast unto death as the state government failed to meet the promised deadline of October 24 for providing the reservation.

He also mentioned that members of the Maratha community are participating in chain hunger strikes at the village level. Accusing the government of misleading the community, Jarange-Patil stated that the state government had promised to withdraw cases against Maratha community members within two days, but it had been 41 days without any action taken.

During this hunger strike, Jarange-Patil has decided not to seek any medical treatment or consume food or water. He emphasized that the protest would be intensified through peaceful candlelight marches. He also requested politicians from all parties to refrain from visiting their villages until the Maratha reservation is granted.

Jarange-Patil clarified that while there is no specific ban on political leaders entering the villages, they are not welcomed at their doorsteps, and the Maratha people will not visit their doors either. He urged the Maratha community not to resort to extreme measures, especially in light of the suicides related to the Maratha quota issue.

Jarange-Patil further criticized the government and the committee responsible for issuing Kunbi certificates to the Marathas, stating that they had not taken any action in the past 15 days. He questioned the delay in announcing the reservation and expressed frustration over the government’s initial request for 15 days, then 30 days, but still no progress has been made. In this latest agitation, Jarange-Patil demands that all Marathas be granted Kunbi certificates.

Madhupriya Dhanwate