Maharashtra Accepts 12 of 15 Maratha Demands, Urges Jarange Patil to End Fast

Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant on Tuesday appealed to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil to call off his indefinite hunger strike, announcing that the state government has accepted 12 of the community's 15 demands. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai alongside Bharatiya Janata Party MLC Prasad Lad, Samant stated that the government is actively working to resolve the remaining issues.

Samant explained that the three unfulfilled demands involve judicial complexities that require more time for the state administration to address. He noted that if Jarange grants the administration the necessary time, there would be no reason for the ongoing agitation to continue across the state.

According to Samant, the leadership has directed ministers to review the rollout of accepted measures. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar instructed both Samant and Lad to visit the Commissionerate to inspect how the approved demands of the Maratha community are being implemented on the ground.

Samant reiterated that the administration has consistently worked toward Maratha reservation, noting that reservation efforts began under Fadnavis in 2014 and continued after 2019 under Shinde. He maintained that the government remains committed to the community's concerns and added that repeatedly putting pressure on the administration was not appropriate.

Backing the minister's statement, BJP MLC Prasad Lad asserted that the government has fulfilled 12 demands and is actively working to address points where the community remains dissatisfied. Lad emphasized that neither Fadnavis nor Shinde relies on false promises and that commitments made by the government have been delivered.

The appeals from the state leadership came as Jarange Patil's health deteriorated during his indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district earlier in the day. Doctors administered intravenous fluids to Patil after his blood sugar levels dropped and he experienced dizziness, with a medical examination revealing he had lost nearly seven kilograms.

Following reports of his worsening condition, Samant and Lad contacted Jarange by telephone, urging him to accept medical intervention while reassuring him of the state's efforts. Although Jarange agreed to receive medical care and IV fluids after their appeal, he has refused to call off his fast and remains firm on his demands.