MUMBAI: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil concluded his five-day hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Tuesday after the Maharashtra government agreed to six of his eight demands. The activist, who drank juice offered by Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil to break his fast, hailed the outcome as a “historical win” for the Maratha community.
Jarange-Patil, leader of the Maratha Kranti Morcha, read the draft government resolution (GR) to his supporters before accepting the juice, stating, “Marathas have emerged victorious today, and we are happy. Today is our Diwali.” The resolution, handed over by Vikhe-Patil, addressed key demands, including the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette with corrections to facilitate Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Marathas, enabling access to Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation benefits.
The activist had launched his protest to secure a 10% quota for Marathas under the OBC category, a demand rooted in recognizing Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian sub-caste already classified as OBC. Despite the government’s acceptance of most demands, Jarange-Patil warned that he would resume agitation if the government fails to implement the agreed measures or if flaws are found in the notifications.
Following the announcement, celebrations erupted among supporters at Azad Maidan, with chants and emotional scenes as Jarange-Patil, visibly moved, shed tears. The government’s cabinet sub-committee, led by Vikhe-Patil, held extensive discussions to reach this resolution. After breaking his fast, Jarange-Patil left Mumbai with his supporters and was taken to a hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for a medical check-up.
Jarange-Patil’s protest had drawn thousands to Mumbai, causing traffic disruptions, but he urged supporters to disperse peacefully, emphasizing discipline to avoid tarnishing the community’s image.
-
-
-
-
