Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jarange Starts Hunger Strike

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite hunger strike in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, demanding that the Maharashtra government take immediate action on 58 lakh Kunbi records. The strike began on Saturday, with Jarange warning that this would be his 'final agitation' if the government fails to meet his demands.

Jarange spoke to reporters at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, accusing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of bearing a grudge against the Maratha community and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde of quietly supporting him. He demanded that the government issue caste certificates to the Maratha community based on the 58 lakh Kunbi records immediately.

The activist also demanded the elimination of the caste verification committee and threatened to march to the Chief Minister's residence in Mumbai if the government fails to resolve all pending quota issues. He urged the state government to issue a reservation based on the Satara Gazette, withdraw all police cases registered against quota protesters across Maharashtra, and provide government jobs and financial compensation to the families of those who died during the previous agitations.

Jarange also called for the creation of a dedicated state portfolio for the Maratha and Kunbi communities, with immediate staff appointments. He demanded the disbursal of interest on loans extended through the Annasaheb Patil Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, the release of pending SARTHI student scholarships, and the immediate issuance of appointment letters to candidates selected under the SEBC and EBC quotas.

The Maratha community has been demanding reservation and other benefits for several years, with Jarange being a key figure in the movement. The community has been facing several challenges, including a long-pending demand for caste certificates and reservation in government jobs and education.

The Maharashtra government has been under pressure to resolve the quota issues, with several protests and agitations taking place across the state. The government has set up a committee to look into the demands of the Maratha community, but the community is yet to see any concrete results.

The hunger strike by Jarange is likely to put more pressure on the government to take immediate action on the quota issues. The Maratha community is one of the largest communities in Maharashtra, and their demands have been a major issue in the state's politics.

The outcome of the hunger strike is uncertain, but it is clear that the Maratha community will not give up their demands easily. The government will have to take concrete steps to resolve the quota issues and address the grievances of the community.

In conclusion, the hunger strike by Manoj Jarange is a significant development in the Maratha quota movement. The government will have to take immediate action to resolve the quota issues and address the demands of the community. The outcome of the hunger strike will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the Maratha community.