Jarange to resume Maratha quota agitation with indefinite hunger strike from May 30

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange speaks during a protest related to Dhangar reservation at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai on March 24. Pic/Ashish Raje

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced that he will restart his agitation on May 30, claiming that the government has failed to fulfil promises made to the Maratha community. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the government was doing everything possible for the community and hoped the situation would not reach a point where Jarange had to launch another protest.

Jarange firm on agitation

Alleging that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has failed to keep his promises regarding the welfare of the Maratha community, Jarange claimed that the government was deliberately going slow on distributing OBC certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community. "We have given enough time to the government. Now, we are left with no choice but to restart the indefinite hunger strike to press for the community's demands," the Maratha activist said while speaking to the media. Jarange has announced that he would begin his indefinite hunger strike from May 30 at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district of the Marathwada region.

Panel to meet activist

A sub-committee formed for the welfare of the Maratha community, headed by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and BJP leader Prasad Lad, will meet Jarange on Friday in an attempt to convince him not to go ahead with the strike. The leaders are expected to convince Jarange that the government is working towards fulfilling its commitments for the welfare of the Maratha community.

Shinde urges restraint

While Jarange has been taking swipes at Fadnavis, Shinde claimed that the government is doing everything for the welfare of the Maratha community. "I hope the situation does not reach a point where Jarange has to launch another protest," Shinde said. On several occasions in the past, Jarange has allegedly appeared soft towards Shinde while remaining aggressive in his criticism of Fadnavis. His contrasting stand towards the two senior leaders of the ruling alliance has left many within the government and political circles puzzled.

OBC leaders raise red flag

Laxman Hake has claimed that members of the Maratha community getting OBC certificates and the government's alleged soft handling of Maratha activists is resulting in injustice to the OBC community. "It is time for community leaders to come together and speak up for the community before it is too late," Hake said.

May 29
Day sub-committee will meet activist