Nation

Maharashtra: Manoj Jarange Begins Fast Unto Death In Jalna, Says Govt ‘Did Not Keep Its Word’

July 20, 2024
Bharat Times

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange began a fresh indefinite hunger strike on Saturday in the Jalna district of Maharashtra. The strike comes with the demand for implementation of the draft notification that recognises Kunbis as blood relatives of the Maratha community members.

Starting his fast in his hometown of Antarwali Sarati, Jarange stated that this step was necessary due to the failure of the Maharashtra government to keep its promise on the reservation issue. Previously, Jarange had postponed his indefinite fast over the reservation issue on June 13, six days after launching it, and set a deadline of one month before the government accepted the demands of the community.

Speaking to PTI on Saturday, Jarange said, “I had to launch this fast as the government did not keep its word. I will continue the strike till my death.” He mentioned an important meeting scheduled for August 29, where the Maratha community is to decide on participating in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

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During the indefinite fast, he is planning to tour the state from August 7 to 13. “I will tour Maharashtra in an ambulance and address meetings. Following this, a series of meetings will be held at Antarwali Sarati from August 14 to 20 to discuss assembly polls. On August 29, if the community decides against fielding any candidate, we will not field any. But we will then work towards defeating those who oppose Maratha reservation and support them who are in its favour,” he said, as quoted by PTI.

‘I Know Their Tricks’: Jarange Hits Out At Mahayuti And MVA

He requested the Maratha community members to gather information on potential candidates for discussion between August 14 and 20. Jarange further mentioned that the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) were trying to take advantage of his agitation.

“The Mahayuti wants me to field 288 candidates in the elections, while the MVA hopes that I would support it instead. But I know their tricks and I will not let their plans succeed,” Jarange said.

The activist also criticised the Eknath Shinde-led government for launching the Ladki Bahin and “Ladka Bhau” schemes with election motives and highlighted that several past welfare schemes had been discontinued.

Jarange also accused Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis of betraying the “Dhangar” community by not including them in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and alleged that OBC leaders were trying to create a rift between Marathas and OBCs.

Regarding the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s plan to launch ‘Aarakshan Bachao Janyatra’ on the reservation issue in parts of Maharashtra, he said, “We expect that Ambedkar will support us as he is the leader of the poor and weaker sections of the society.”