Maharashtra: Jarange Begins 11th Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota Demands
Jarange warned that if his demands were not accepted, protesters would march to Mumbai: Reports
MUMBAI: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday launched his 11th hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra, demanding the abolition of caste verification committees and resolution of pending issues related to Kunbi caste certificates for members of the Maratha community.
Jarange warned that if his demands were not accepted, protesters would march to Mumbai and head to the Chief Minister’s official residence, ‘Varsha’, or Azad Maidan. He appealed to Mumbaikars to cooperate with the protesters if they travelled to the city.
Speaking to reporters before beginning his indefinite hunger strike, Jarange questioned the need for caste verification committees in Maharashtra, claiming that no other state in the country had a similar system. He alleged that officials were rejecting applications despite the availability of valid documentary evidence.
“If they do not resolve our issues, we will go to Varsha bungalow. If a government delegation comes for talks, we will speak to them. But this is my last agitation. I will not call off the agitation until all the issues are resolved,” he said.
Jarange also appealed to members of the Maratha community to encourage their children to pursue education and seek opportunities in government jobs. He reiterated that the agitation would be his final one and urged members of the Maratha community not to remain complacent. “We are going to win this time, but Marathas should support us from here, not from home,” he said.
Last year, Jarange had staged a protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, causing civic difficulties in the city.
Meanwhile, senior OBC leader and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chhagan Bhujbal opposed Jarange’s demand for the abolition of caste verification committees. Bhujbal said such a move could lead to people obtaining caste certificates meant for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Shiv Sena leader and Industries Minister Uday Samant said the state government was working on a “war footing” to address Jarange’s demands. He appealed to members of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community to understand that the government would not compromise their rights.
Samant said the government wanted Jarange to suspend his agitation and maintained that it was providing various facilities to the Maratha community in line with the quota activist’s demands.