Manoj Jarange Threatens Mumbai March Ahead of August 29 Hunger Strike
Quota activist Manoj Jarange has threatened to march to Mumbai if the state government fails to accept the demands of the Maratha community, speaking ahead of his scheduled hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati village.
Addressing reporters on Friday, Jarange called for the mobilisation of community members to press for reservation demands. He confirmed that he remains firm on starting his fast on August 29 in Antarwali Sarati, warning that an agitation toward Mumbai would follow if the government does not act on the community's grievances.
Jarange launched a sharp attack against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation-related issues. He alleged that the state administration is not taking adequate steps to distribute Kunbi (OBC) certificates to eligible Marathas, even in cases where relevant historical records have already been traced.
During his address, Jarange urged community members across the state to join the gathering at Antarwali Sarati village. He specifically appealed to individuals whose applications for Kunbi certificates have been rejected or remain unaccepted, as well as those whose historical records were located but who have not yet received their certificates.
"Do not remain at home. Come out to save the future of your children," Jarange told reporters as he called on people to gather for the planned protest.
The activist also targeted Vikhe Patil, questioning the minister's ability to grasp the issues surrounding the reservation demand. Jarange said that the minister is primarily focused on issues concerning sugar mills rather than reservation matters.
"Vikhe Patil is mainly concerned with matters related to sugar factories," Jarange said. "He knows nothing and doesn't understand anything, except factories. Whether the sugar produced is fine or coarse, and whether jaggery has been produced or it has turned into lumps."
