Manoj Jarange-Patil Refuses Medical Check on Day 4 of Fast in Antarwali Sarati

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district since August 29, refused a medical examination on Monday as his protest entered its fourth day.

Medical teams arriving at the protest site attempted to check Jarange-Patil's health parameters, but he declined to undergo the examination. The activist has been staging the fast to demand action on Maratha reservation and the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the community.

Dr Vijay Wakode, a medical officer attending to the site, stated that healthcare workers repeatedly requested to monitor his vitals, including his blood pressure, but were turned away by the activist. Dr Wakode noted that medical teams plan to return every two hours to request check-ups. On the previous day, tests showed Jarange-Patil's blood pressure was approximately 130 and his blood sugar level was around 70.

The ongoing hunger strike has prompted scheduled discussions at the state level. The Maharashtra Cabinet is set to meet on Tuesday, where Jarange-Patil's agitation and demands are expected to be taken up for formal discussion.

A government delegation has also been arranged to visit the protest venue at Antarwali Sarati. BJP MLA Prasad Lad is scheduled to meet Jarange-Patil, while state ministers Shambhuraj Desai, Uday Samant, and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil are expected to hold talks with the activist to present the government's position.