Maratha quota battle heads to Mumbai? Activist Manoj Jarange Patil warns against fast to death on Azad Maidan | Today’s news

Jalna (Maharashtra) (India), Sep 13 (ANI): Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Sunday issued an eight-day ultimatum to the Maharashtra government, warning that he will launch an indefinite fast unto death on September 19 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan if the community’s reservation demands are not met.

Speaking to ANI in Jalna, the activist claimed that the Maratha reservation battle will now shift to the state capital if the administration does not intervene within the stipulated time frame.

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“The government has eight days left. If the Maratha community’s demands are not met within this period, I will fast unto death on September 19 at 10 am at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. Whatever happens next will happen in Mumbai. The government is ignoring the problems faced by the poor Marathas,” said Jarange Patil.

The quota campaigner also alleged that the state machinery was actively intimidating his supporters and targeting his associates under the guise of legal investigations.

“My close associates have been persecuted on the pretext of investigation. There are attempts to exert pressure by issuing notices to those who stood with him in the movement, but this will not stop the agitation,” he said.

In an uncompromising tone, Jarange Patil stated that coercive tactics would not deter him from the ruckus.

“I will not surrender to the government for fear of investigation. If the time comes, I am ready to face death, but I will not kneel before the government,” he affirmed.

Earlier on September 4, a state government delegation met Patil on the sixth day of his indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district to urge him to call off his agitation even as the activist persisted in his demands.

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The government delegation consisted of Maharashtra ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Uday Samant, Makarand Aaba Patil and BJP MLA Prasad Lad.

During the meeting, the ministers held detailed discussions with Jarange regarding various key demands of the Maratha community.

Addressing the media, Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said, “Efforts are on to complete the process of making the records of Kunbi Gram Panchayats available by September 5. Arrangements will also be made to issue certificates to the Maratha community based on the Hyderabad Gazette.”

He further appealed to the public and said, “Members of the Maratha community in Marathwada should apply for certificates from tomorrow. If there are any problems, individuals should directly approach the concerned district collector. Nodal officers will be appointed in each district and individuals can contact them in case of any problems.”

The minister assured that official orders regarding OBC concessions would be issued soon. “Orders regarding OBC concessions will be issued on September 8,” Vikhe Patil noted, adding that “58 lakh Kunbi records have been discovered so far by the Shinde committee and the government is working to process them.”

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He also announced that “a Maratha Reservation Cell will be set up and Rs 300 crore will be allocated for the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation”, reiterating that “the government is behind the movement initiated by Manoj Jarang to bring justice to the Maratha community”.

In a direct appeal to activist Vikhe Patil, he folded his hands and declared, “With folded hands, I am asking for an end to the fast.”

Echoing the delegation’s concerns, Maharashtra state minister Udaj Samant and BJP MLA Prasad Lad emphasized that “Manoj Jarange should be admitted to hospital for treatment and end his hunger strike indefinitely due to his deteriorating health”.

However, Manoj Jarange remained adamant and declared, “I will not end the indefinite hunger strike until the demands are met.” He set a firm timeline, insisting: “Complete all requirements by 9/11.”

Outlining the next steps of the agitation, Jarange added, “If the government accepts all the demands, the Maratha community will bring gual to Mumbai. The date to go to Mumbai for the agitation will be announced during the September 12 meeting.”

Reiterating his commitment, Jarange concluded, “This is my last excitement. If all demands are met, I will not have to protest again.”

Despite long deliberations and major assurances from the state representatives, the government delegation’s attempt to convince Jarange proved unsuccessful and the team left Antarwali Sarati as the activist firmly maintained his stance to continue the hunger strike until all demands were fully implemented. (OR)

Disclaimer: This story was published from the agency’s news feed without editing the text. Only the title was changed.

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