Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil began his fast unto death on Saturday, despite lacking police permission. Patil also declared that if the Maratha reservation is not granted, he will run for a seat in the Maharashtra State Assembly. Notably, his protest aims at getting OBC status for members of the Maratha community.
According to the Times of India, the Gondi Police reported receiving objections from three villages—Antarwali Sarati, Vadigodri, and Dodadgaon—against allowing Jarange to hold his strike. However, the activists stated that he was resolute in his strike and cautioned the Chief Minister against making the mistake of attacking the protestors supporting his movement this time. Earlier on April 14, Patil had reportedly warned that he would go on a hunger strike in June if the Maratha reservation issue is not resolved by the state government.
Maratha Reservation Protests
The Marathas, who currently come under the general category, have been agitating and demanding to be recognized under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
Presently, the Kunbi agricultural community, a subset of the Maratha community, has reserved quotas since they come under OBCs and are eligible for reservation in education and government positions.
Activist Jarange-Patil had launched an indefinite fast until the reservation was provided but ended it on November 2 following a discussion with the state government.