Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange Begins Hunger Strike

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite hunger strike in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, accusing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of holding a grudge against the Maratha community. Jarange began his fast at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on Saturday, demanding the elimination of the caste verification committee and resolution of all pending quota issues.

Jarange claimed that Deputy CM Eknath Shinde is providing covert support to Fadnavis through Minister of Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat. He warned that if the government fails to resolve the issues, he will march to the Chief Minister's residence in Mumbai, Varsha Bungalow. Jarange stated that this is his final agitation and he will not end his fast until all the issues are resolved.

The activist has led several agitations demanding that eligible Marathas be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian community that enjoys reservation benefits in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. He has launched nine hunger strikes since August-September 2023 to push for Maratha reservation under the OBC category.

Alleging systemic bias, Jarange claimed that the state government does not want the Maratha youth to advance. He stated that the government is trying to deny certificates to the Maratha community by rejecting documentary evidence even when it matches. Jarange demanded the abolition of the caste verification committee, citing that in other states, Tehsildars and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) hold authority, so there is no need for a separate verification committee in Maharashtra.

The activist emphasised that the protest is aimed at securing the future of Maratha youth. He claimed that the Maratha community should become aware of the alleged bias against them and start working towards ensuring their children become officers to avoid future hurdles.

Jarange's hunger strike has brought attention to the long-pending issue of Maratha reservation in Maharashtra. The Maratha community has been demanding recognition as Kunbis and reservation benefits in education and government jobs. The state government's response to Jarange's demands will be crucial in resolving the issue.

The Maratha community's demand for reservation has been a contentious issue in Maharashtra for several years. The community has been seeking recognition as Kunbis, which would provide them with reservation benefits in education and government jobs. The issue has been pending for several years, with various governments failing to provide a solution.

In recent years, the Maratha community has become increasingly vocal about their demands, with several agitations and protests taking place across the state. Jarange's hunger strike is the latest in a series of protests demanding recognition and reservation benefits for the Maratha community.

The outcome of Jarange's hunger strike and the government's response to his demands will be closely watched in the coming days. The issue of Maratha reservation has significant implications for the community and the state government's handling of the issue will be crucial in resolving the long-pending demand.

In conclusion, Manoj Jarange's indefinite hunger strike has brought attention to the issue of Maratha reservation in Maharashtra. The state government's response to his demands will be crucial in resolving the issue and providing reservation benefits to the Maratha community. The outcome of the hunger strike will have significant implications for the community and the state government's handling of the issue will be closely watched in the coming days.