MUMBAI, 17 SEPTEMBER, 2024 (GPN): Maratha activist Manoj Jarange in Maharashtra on Tuesday began an indefinite fast demanding reservation for his community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. This is Jarange’s sixth fast in a period of over a year. He began the fast at midnight at his native place Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, about 75 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Addressing reporters before his agitation, Jarange accused the Maharashtra government of deliberately not granting reservation to the community and said the Marathas were giving Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis “one more chance” to meet their demands.

He also warned the ruling parties that if the demands of the community are not met, they will have to face consequences in the upcoming assembly elections. Jarange is demanding the implementation of the draft notification that recognises the Kunbi community as ‘sage soyre’ (blood relatives) of the Maratha community members and grants them reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

Addressing the Deputy CM directly, Jarange-Patil stated, “You must stop your arbitrary actions. We won’t tolerate your whims any longer. Maratha MLAs are working against the very interests of their community under your influence, and we will not remain silent about it.” He also criticised the BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP members, questioning why none of them supported the Maratha reservation demand and accused Fadnavis of hindering the community’s progress.

Further intensifying his attack, Jarange-Patil said, “Devendra Fadnavis, you will not be able to continue your political manoeuvring. Our children are on the verge of destruction because of your obstinacy, and the Marathas are suffering. If this continues, Maharashtra will not allow you to set foot on its land.”

Jarange said he also wants the cases registered against several members of the Maratha community during his agitation to be withdrawn. “The Maratha community is important to me, but the government is deliberately not giving reservation. Moreover, they say we are speaking political language. I will not speak political language now, but this is another opportunity for Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, he said.

He said, “My community does not want to enter politics. The government should pass an ordinance that Marathas and Kunbis are the same. The ordinance passed in 2004 should be amended. The notification of ‘blood relatives’ should be implemented immediately. On the basis of the certificates issued, whoever demands it should be given the certificate. The cases registered against the agitators. should be withdrawn.”

“Fadnavis is creating obstacles in granting reservation to the Maratha community. Bhujbal is inciting riots in the state at Fadnavis’ behest by instigating OBCs against Maratha reservation,” he alleged.

Fadnavis should talk to him. The community is watching who will give reservation. He wamed that he should not be blamed for any consequences later. This is his sixth indefinite fast since September 1 last year. Jarange questioned the government’s inaction’ on the draft ‘Sage Soyre (blood relatives) notification and demanded the implementation of the ‘Gazette’ of the erstwhile Hyderabad and Satara princely states and the Bombay Presidency era.

Students who have filled forms (for admission to academic courses) from the economically weaker section (EWS) category are being turned away without any reason. This should be stopped. All three options for EWS, OBC and socially and economically backward (SEBC) should be kept open. Candidates from the Maratha community will choose one of them,” he said.

Meanwhile, OBC quota activist Navnath Waghmare has warned of launching a hunger strike from Tuesday if Jarange-Patil resorts to fast.Waghmare has accused Jarange of creating “drama” in the name of the fast.Waghmare and his associate Laxman Hake are against granting the reservation to Marathas under the OBC category.

Starting in 2023 Jarange had earlier staged 5 hunger strikes 1st on August 29 , 2nd on October 25 last year, and in 2024 3rd time on February 10,  4th on June 4, and 5th hunger strike on July 20, 2024, with the 6th indefinite hunger strike from today at the Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna.

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