Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange firm on launching hunger strike in Mumbai

File Pic/PTI

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to launch an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai on January 26.

Jarange, who embarked on a march from Jalna district to Mumbai on January 20, reached Maharashtra's Pune district on Tuesday, January 23, with thousands of supporters joining him along the way.

Speaking to reporters, Jarange stated, "About 2 to 2.5 crore people from the Maratha community will come to Mumbai. Marathas will show their strength on January 26." He emphasized his demand for a blanket Kunbi (OBC) caste certificate for all Marathas in the state.

Although the divisional commissioner from Marathwada met him on behalf of the government, Jarange insisted on Marathas being granted quota under the OBC category. He declared his readiness to go on an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai, even if the government denied permission. Jarange asserted, "I am ready to sacrifice my life. If they try to kill me, not a single road in Maharashtra will remain open. I won't go back without securing the reservation for the Maratha community."

During the march reaching Shikrapur in Pune district, Jarange received a warm welcome, with people garlanding him and expressing support. Approximately 15,000 people accompanied him in Shikrapur, forming a convoy of about 750 vehicles. The police have implemented stringent security measures as the march proceeds through Pune en route to Mumbai.

Jarange had previously undertaken fast-unto-death protests twice for the Maratha quota demand, prompting the government to establish a committee to examine the OBC backgrounds of Maratha community members from the Marathwada region. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently announced a survey by the State Backward Classes Commission to evaluate the educational, social, and financial backwardness of the Maratha community.

Also read: Maratha quota issue: A day ahead of the protest march Manoj Jarange urges Devendra Fadnavis to resolve the issue wholeheartedly

The Supreme Court had invalidated the Maharashtra law granting reservations to Marathas in admissions and government jobs in 2021. The state government filed a curative petition in the apex court against the judgment, scheduled for a hearing. (with inputs from press trust of india)