Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent activist leading the Maratha quota agitation, has vowed to continue his protest in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan until the demands of the Maratha community are fully met. Now in its fifth day, Jarange’s indefinite hunger strike is pressing the Maharashtra government to grant reservation to Marathas under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. Despite a notice from Mumbai Police asking protesters to vacate the area following a Bombay High Court directive for clearing city roads, Jarange remains adamant, saying he will not leave even if it costs him his life.
Jarange emphasized the peaceful nature of the agitation, stressing that the protest has been legally conducted over two years. He urged the government to withdraw all cases against Maratha protesters and dismiss police officers who allegedly attacked them. Warning the state leadership, particularly Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Jarange said any forceful action to disperse the protesters would lead to stronger resistance.
The activist also highlighted the historical context of the Maratha community’s demand, citing the 1884 Hyderabad Gazette which classified Marathas in the Marathwada region as Kunbis. He demanded recognition of this genealogy to facilitate reservation rights. Jarange’s demands include not just reservation but also the filing of cases against police personnel involved in alleged mistreatment during protests.
Despite the government’s caution, pointing to previous court rulings overturning such reservations, Jarange has threatened to intensify the hunger strike, including refusing water, to press for justice. His protest has drawn both support and political criticism across Maharashtra. Leaders from various parties have weighed in, with some expressing willingness to help resolve the issue through dialogue while others question the protestors’ approach.
Manoj Jarange’s unyielding stand underscores the sensitive and complex nature of the Maratha quota debate in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
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