Maratha Reservation Activist Manoj Jarange’s Fast Unto Death Ignites Renewed Debate

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 8th June. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil commenced his indefinite fast today, adhering to his prior announcement made in April this year. Despite his determination, officials have not granted him permission for the indefinite fast, raising concerns about his well-being.

Patil’s decision comes as a response to the ongoing struggle for Maratha reservation, a contentious issue that has persisted over several years. In April, he had forewarned of resorting to a hunger strike if the state government failed to address the Maratha reservation matter by June 4. Criticizing both the ruling Mahyuti tripartite alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for their inaction, Patil expressed disappointment with their handling of the issue.

The Maratha community has long protested against the government’s stance on reservation, demanding equitable representation. Although the Maharashtra government had approved a Bill in February to extend 10% reservation to the Marathas, based on a report by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC), Patil remains unsatisfied. He insists on a quota for the Marathas under the OBC category.

Jarange Patil’s campaign for Maratha reservation has faced accusations of financial backing from political associates, along with allegations of making incendiary remarks during the movement. Moreover, he has raised serious allegations against prominent political figures, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, whom he accused of conspiring against him.

In response to these claims, Maharashtra BJP Chief Ashish Shelar dismissed them as baseless and misleading. The government’s stance on the matter has toughened, evidenced by the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in March to probe allegations of conspiracy and violence during the agitation.