Manoj Jarange-Patil Halts Hunger Strike Amid Protest Threats
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has paused his indefinite hunger strike, warning the state government of upcoming protests in Mumbai if his demands are not met. Amidst ongoing statewide protests, he insists on the rights of the Maratha community.
Key Takeaways
- Manoj Jarange-Patil suspends hunger strike.
- Threatens protests in Mumbai if demands are unmet.
- Calls for Maratha inclusion in OBC category.
- Links agitation to murder of Santosh Deshmukh.
- Demands justice for Deshmukh's murderers.
Jalna, Jan 30 (NationPress) Pro-Maratha reservation advocate Manoj Jarange-Patil announced the suspension of his indefinite hunger strike on Thursday, while cautioning the state government about potential protests in Mumbai if his demands are not addressed.
He emphasized that the Maratha community would not be deterred from organizing protests in Mumbai to advocate for their rights.
Jarange-Patil made this announcement at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district after receiving juice from BJP legislator Suresh Dhas.
Since last Saturday, he had been on an indefinite hunger strike to demand the inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Additionally, he called for the implementation of a draft notification that recognized Kunbis as “sage soyare” (blood relatives) of the Maratha community members for reservation purposes.
The state government has yet to respond to Jarange-Patil’s hunger strike, which marks his seventh in the past 16 months.
“If no decision is made promptly regarding our demands, we will initiate our next protest in Mumbai,” he stated.
“We expect all our demands to be fulfilled. Should protests commence in Mumbai, I will not retreat, even if faced with police violence. The ministers and their families will be held accountable,” he warned.
Jarange-Patil’s actions coincide with statewide protests against the heinous murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Beed district.
The protests comprise members from both ruling and opposition parties, alongside various social and non-governmental organizations, all demanding the resignation of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde. His associate, Walmik Karad, currently imprisoned under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, is allegedly connected to the sarpanch’s murder.
Jarange has called for the death penalty for those involved in the murder of Santosh Deshmukh.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, currently in Delhi for Assembly poll campaigning, welcomed Jarange-Patil’s decision, stating that any development initiatives for the Maratha community are handled by the MahaYuti government.
“It is the government’s responsibility to resolve issues within the legal framework. All demands should align with laws and the constitution. If they do, the government will respond,” he added.
