Manoj Jarange Warns of Protest Outside Varsha Bungalow Over Maratha Quota
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has threatened to march to Mumbai and stage a sit-in protest outside the Chief Minister's official residence, Varsha bungalow, if the state government fails to accept the community's demands.
Speaking ahead of his scheduled hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati village, Jarange called for the mobilisation of Maratha community members. He stated that the fast would begin on Saturday and warned that the agitation would escalate if the government does not take decisive action.
Jarange stated that if their demands are not accepted, protesters will head directly to Mumbai to protest outside Varsha bungalow. He emphasised that this time, not a single demand would be withdrawn, adding that he would wait to see what decision the government takes by evening.
The activist clarified that he would present any official letter received from the government during his fast to community members. He noted that the protest would be called off only if the community finds the government's response satisfactory; otherwise, the hunger strike will continue indefinitely.
Targeting the state administration over the reservation issue, Jarange countered claims by the Chief Minister regarding welfare measures for the community. While acknowledging past actions, he alleged that the government had also caused harm, specifically pointing to ministers Shirsat and Bawankule.
Jarange reiterated his allegation that the Mahayuti government is attempting to reduce the 58 lakh Kunbi records identified earlier. He urged the administration to issue an appropriate government resolution addressing the community's core demands without delay.
Among the specific demands listed by Jarange is a requirement that government officials visit Antarwali to explain the resolutions directly to the community. He also demanded government jobs based on eligibility for the families of activists who died during the quota movement, the creation of an independent Maratha-Kunbi ministry, and the revival of suspended Sarathi schemes.
Additionally, Jarange sought the immediate release of pending interest refunds from the Annasaheb Patil Economically Backward Development Corporation, alongside the formal validation of cancelled caste certificates across the Marathwada region.
