Maratha Protesters Block Dhule-Solapur Highway at Wadigodri in Support of Manoj Jarange

Maratha reservation supporters blocked the Dhule-Solapur National Highway at Wadigodri on Wednesday to protest in support of activist Manoj Jarange Patil. The demonstration brought vehicular traffic along the highway stretch to a halt, leading authorities to deploy additional police personnel to manage security and maintain law and order.

Several protesters staged a sit-in, with visuals showing demonstrators sitting and lying across the road while holding photographs of Patil and raising slogans. The blockade resulted in long queues of stranded vehicles along the national highway.

The demonstration at Wadigodri was triggered by reports of Patil's deteriorating physical condition. Patil's indefinite hunger strike entered its fifth day on Wednesday at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra's Jalna district, where he began his fast on August 29.

Patil has been demanding government action on Maratha reservation and the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community. Although doctors have advised medical intervention due to the prolonged fast, Patil has remained firm on his demands.

On Monday, Patil refused a medical check-up when a team of doctors arrived at the protest site. Medical personnel reported that he did not respond to repeated requests to check his blood pressure and other vital parameters. When the medical team sought permission to carry out an examination, Patil signaled with his hand that he did not want to undergo the check-up.

Earlier during the agitation, Patil called upon members of the Maratha community across Maharashtra to gradually march toward Mumbai. He also urged supporters to adopt what he described as a guerrilla warfare strategy to advance their demands.