Maratha Leader Manoj Jarange Patil Ends Hunger Strike After Receiving Assurances on Quota Demands
Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past fifteen days, has announced his decision to end the strike. However, he has laid down certain conditions for the Maharashtra government. Patil has demanded that the State Chief Minister, as well as Deputy Chief Ministers, personally visit the protest site in Antarwali Sarati village located in the Jalna district. He also seeks written assurances on his demands pertaining to the quota issue. The State government has been under immense pressure to address the concerns of the pro-Maratha quota activists.
Conditions for Ending the Strike
In order to end his fast and leave the protest site, Manoj Jarange Patil has set forth several conditions for the State government. These conditions include the withdrawal of all cases against the protestors, suspensions of high-level police officers responsible for the recent lathi-charge on the demonstrators, and the issuance of OBC community caste certificates for all members of the Maratha community. Patil has emphasized that until every member of the Maratha community receives the quota certificate, he will not call off his strike or leave the protest site.
Furthermore, Patil has given the government a month’s time to fulfill these conditions. He has warned that if the demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe, it will be the government’s responsibility for the consequences that follow. Patil has urged the State to avoid prolonging the protest and has appealed for a satisfactory resolution to the issues at hand.
Peaceful Agitation and Support
While advocating for the peaceful means of protest, Manoj Jarange Patil has called upon his supporters to refrain from disruptive activities such as blocking roads, pelting stones, or burning tires. He has stressed the importance of carrying out the agitation in a peaceful manner.
Additionally, Patil has insisted that the presence of top members of the State cabinet is necessary, along with Maratha community royals and direct descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji, including BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale and former MP Sambhajiraje, in order to conclude his strike.
Prior to his announcement, leaders from the Shinde camp, Arjun Khotkar and Sandipan Bhumre, met with Patil to apprise him of the all-party meeting held in Mumbai the previous evening. Furthermore, radical Hindutva activist Sambhaji Bhide also met with Patil and urged him to end his fast. However, Patil has stated that he will consult his supporters and seek their opinion before making a final decision.
Government Support and Stance
In response to the ongoing protest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reiterated the government’s commitment to address the reservation issue. The CM emphasized that the State government does not intend to rush into a decision, as it aims to ensure a foolproof quota for the Maratha community that can withstand legal scrutiny.
Expressing concern for Patil’s health, Shinde informed that a resolution was passed during the all-party meeting, appealing to the activist to end his strike. The CM joined the appeal and urged Patil to withdraw his fast. He assured that both ruling and opposition parties stand firmly behind Patil’s cause.
Moreover, Shinde revealed that the police officers responsible for the lathi-charge in Jalna have already been suspended, and a decision has been made to withdraw cases against the Maratha quota protestors.
Committee to Address Quota Issue
The government has taken steps to address the quota issue by establishing a five-member committee. This committee, headed by retired Justice Sandeep Shinde, aims to develop a standard operating procedure for issuing OBC caste certificates to Marathas. Additionally, the committee will devise a framework for the verification of genealogy documents within a month’s time.
The government’s efforts to resolve the Maratha reservation issue continue as they seek to find a sustainable solution that ensures justice for the Maratha community while abiding by legal procedures.