Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange Vows to Continue Hunger Strike

Protest leader Manoj Jarange Patil remains steadfast at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, declaring he will continue his hunger strike until his demands are met. Despite the Mumbai Police’s refusal to allow the continuation of the protest and their order for demonstrators to vacate the area, Jarange has vowed not to leave, even at the cost of his life.

On September 26, 2023, Jarange stated, “My request to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is that you will not be able to withstand the public outcry that is coming on Monday. Even if I die, I will not rise from this ground.” His remarks, reported by the news agency ANI, underscore the intensity of the situation as he enters the fifth day of his hunger strike.

Government Response to Protests

The Bombay High Court has directed protestors to clear all streets in Mumbai by noon on September 27, 2023, citing violations of the protest conditions. The court emphasized the necessity of restoring normalcy in the city, especially during the ongoing Ganpati Festival. The court stated, “Since respondents have, prima facie, violated the conditions of the permission granted… we direct respondents to ensure that the streets are cleaned up and vacated.”

Despite the legal challenges, Jarange remains resolute. He claims the protestors will not leave Mumbai until their long-standing demand for a 10 per cent OBC reservation in government jobs and educational institutions is fulfilled. He expressed confidence that justice would prevail, saying, “We believe in the God of Justice… We are 100 per cent confident that justice will be served.”

Authorities have urged Jarange’s core committee to vacate the protest site, aiming to prevent further escalation. Jarange warned that evicting the protestors would have significant consequences for the government, emphasizing that their demonstration has remained peaceful and within legal bounds.

Community Support and Political Implications

The Maratha community has rallied around Jarange, with thousands gathering at Azad Maidan to support the protest. The agitation has intensified, particularly after Jarange vowed to abstain from drinking water until their demands are acknowledged.

In response to the rising tensions, the Maharashtra government has established a 10-member ministerial committee led by Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil to facilitate discussions with stakeholders. Meanwhile, the opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), has expressed solidarity with the protesters, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the opposition of politicizing the issue.

As the situation unfolds, the actions taken in the coming days will be closely monitored, both by the authorities and the public, with significant implications for the Maharashtra government and the ongoing struggle for Maratha reservations.