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Jarange, who is demanding that all Marathas be granted reservation under the OBC category, said the agitation would continue regardless of official approval
Manoj Jarange starts indefinite hunger strike (PTI Image)
The indefinite hunger strike launched by Maratha rights activist Manoj Jarange-Patil at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan will enter its second day on Saturday, August 30, after day-long protests on Friday brought large parts of the city to a standstill.
Jarange, who is demanding that all Marathas be granted reservation under the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) category, said the agitation would continue regardless of official approval.
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“The protests will happen whether you give permission or not. It is in the government’s hands whether to break it up or grant permission,” he declared.
The protest severely disrupted traffic across Mumbai on Friday, forcing the city’s traffic police to issue an advisory. A similar situation is expected today as the agitation enters its second day.
Maratha Quota Protest: Top Points
- Jarange vowed not to step back, even threatening to escalate his fast. “I am ready to take bullets for the Maratha reservation. I will continue my hunger strike in jail, should they put me behind bars. If the delay continues, I will stop drinking water in the next two days,” he warned.
- Thousands of Maratha supporters from across Maharashtra converged on Mumbai, crowding Azad Maidan and nearby hubs like CSMT and Churchgate. Many carried food and cooking supplies to last a month.
- Jarange alleged that the city administration deliberately denied basic amenities to protestors. “Tea shops, restaurants and toilets were kept closed. Even drinking water was not available. You are worse than the British,” he said, accusing the state of mistreating the Maratha community.
- Amid mounting pressure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government was seeking a legally viable solution.
- “During our earlier term, Marathas were given 10 per cent reservation. A cabinet sub-committee has been directed to hold discussions. Some are trying to create animosity between Marathas and OBCs, and we will ensure that does not happen,” Fadnavis said.
- Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, a Maratha leader, has been tasked with initiating talks. On arriving in Mumbai from Shirdi on Friday evening, he said, “We will consider Jarange-Patil’s proposal, although the cabinet sub-committee meeting has not been scheduled yet.”
- Civil society groups such as Navi Mumbai’s Sakal Maratha Samaj have stepped in to provide food, water, and accommodation. The CIDCO Exhibition Centre in Vashi has been prepared to shelter up to 50,000 protestors over the next few days.
About the Author
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be…Read More
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be… Read More
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