Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange stands firm on his decision to launch an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai on January 26, reaffirming his commitment to the cause. Jarange embarked on a march from Jalna district to Mumbai on January 20 and reached Pune district on Tuesday with thousands of supporters joining him along the way.
Jarange expressed his determination, stating, About 2 to 2.5 crore people from the Maratha community will come to Mumbai. Marathas will show their strength on January 26. His main demand is a blanket Kunbi (OBC) caste certificate for all Marathas in the state.
Despite a meeting with the divisional commissioner from Marathwada on behalf of the government, Jarange remains insistent on Marathas being granted quota under the OBC category. He even declared his readiness to go on an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai, regardless of whether the government grants permission. Jarange emphasized, 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.
As the march continues, Jarange received a warm welcome upon reaching Shikrapur in Pune district, with supporters garlanding and expressing their support. Approximately 15,000 people accompanied him, forming a convoy of around 750 vehicles. The police have implemented strict security measures as the march progresses through Pune en route to Mumbai.
This isn’t the first time Jarange has resorted to extreme measures to demand the Maratha quota. In the past, he has undertaken fast-unto-death protests, leading to the government forming a committee to examine the OBC backgrounds of Maratha community members from the Marathwada region. Furthermore, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently announced a survey by the State Backward Classes Commission to assess the educational, social, and financial backwardness of the Maratha community.
It is worth noting that the Supreme Court invalidated the Maharashtra law granting reservations to Marathas in admissions and government jobs in 2021. In response, the state government filed a curative petition in the apex court against the judgment, which is scheduled for a hearing.
Jarange’s determination to fight for the Maratha quota reflects the deep-rooted frustrations within the community. As January 26 approaches, all eyes will be on Mumbai to witness the extent of support and the government’s response to this ongoing struggle for reservation rights.
