Maratha Activist Begins Hunger Strike in Mumbai

Manoj Jarange-Patil, a prominent Maratha quota activist, will begin an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai on September 19. The activist has been advocating for the rights of the Maratha community, particularly with regards to reservation quotas.

As part of his protest, Jarange-Patil has urged his supporters to cover a distance of approximately 100 kilometres each day before reaching their scheduled stops. This march is intended to raise awareness about the community's demands and garner support for their cause.

The Maratha community has been seeking reservation benefits for several years, citing their socio-economic backwardness. The community's demands have been met with resistance from other groups, who argue that reservations should be based on economic criteria rather than caste.

The issue of Maratha reservations has been a contentious one in Maharashtra, with the community's demands being upheld by the Bombay High Court in 2019. However, the court's decision was later stayed by the Supreme Court, which has yet to deliver a final verdict on the matter.

J.arange-Patil's hunger strike is the latest in a series of protests and demonstrations held by the Maratha community to press their demands. The community's leaders have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.

The Maharashtra government has been under pressure to resolve the issue, with several politicians and community leaders calling for a solution. The state government has set up a committee to look into the community's demands and suggest a way forward.

The indefinite hunger strike by Jarange-Patil is likely to escalate the situation, with the community's supporters planning to gather in large numbers to show their solidarity. The Mumbai police have been put on alert, with arrangements being made to maintain law and order in the city.

The Maratha quota issue has significant implications for the state of Maharashtra, with the community's demands having the potential to impact the state's social and economic fabric. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the community's demands and whether a solution can be found to this contentious issue.

In the meantime, Jarange-Patil's hunger strike is likely to draw attention to the community's plight and put pressure on the state government to act. The outcome of this protest will be closely watched, as it has the potential to impact the lives of millions of people in Maharashtra.