Maratha quota activist Jarange begins protest march to Mumbai over reservation issue

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil/ PTI

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has organised a protest march from Jalna district to Mumbai to raise awareness about the Maratha community's desire for reservation in Maharashtra. The march began in Jarange's hometown of Antarwali Sarati village, where he sharply criticised the state government's perceived disregard for the Maratha reservation issue, stated a report in PTI.

According to the report, Jarange vowed to continue protesting until his death, expressing his dissatisfaction with the government's "cruel and insensitive" approach. The Maratha community had given the government seven months to resolve the reservation issue, but Jarange claimed no action had been taken during that time.

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"The Maratha community gave seven months to the government to provide reservation, but no action was taken all this while," he told reporters, per PTI report. An emotional Jarange added, "I will continue the protest till my last breath. I won't relent till the demand for reservation is met."

Jarange, who is deeply committed to the cause, underlined the worrisome increase in suicides among Maratha adolescents as a result of the reservation issue. He criticised the government's insensitivity and harshness, emphasising the need for swift action to prevent future tragedies, the report added.

"Maratha youths are ending their lives over the issue of reservation, but the government remains unmoved. How can the government be so insensitive and cruel and just watch Maratha youths commit suicides," he asked.

According to the report, during the march, Jarange reported discussing with community members the possibility of commencing a hunger strike on the way to Mumbai or once they arrived. The protest march, which is anticipated to reach Mumbai on January 25, covers a distance of more than 400 kilometres. Jarange expects to begin his hunger strike on January 26.

Thousands of Maratha protesters will walk for several hours each day and utilise vehicles to get about. The hunger strike by Jarange attempts to increase the state's demand for the Maratha reservation, the report stated.

Four days ago, Jarange had demanded that 54 lakhs of Marathas be issued Kunbi caste certificates within two days or else he would start another indefinite fast if no decision was taken. "Otherwise, I will leave on January 20 to stage an indefinite fast in Mumbai," the activist had said.