Mumbai, Sep 2 (PTI): Activist Manoj Jarange, engaged in a hunger strike for Maratha reservation, expressed his willingness to converse with the government. However, he firmly stated he would not depart from Mumbai until his demands were fulfilled.
Jarange's protest at Azad Maidan, in south Mumbai, reached its fifth day. He emphasized that protestors had adhered to the law and insisted that Marathas should not be barred from entering the state capital.
The activist urged Maratha demonstrators to remain peaceful, assuring them he would press the government to grant a quota and issue an official resolution (GR) acknowledging Marathas as Kunbis. This agrarian caste classified under Other Backward Classes would then become eligible for reservations in government employment and education.
Mumbai Police served a notice to Jarange and his team on Tuesday, requesting them to vacate Azad Maidan promptly. The authorities cited violations of protest conditions as the reason.
The Bombay High Court had earlier instructed Jarange’s supporters to vacate and clean up city streets by noon on Tuesday, restoring normalcy.
On the fifth day of his protest, the 43-year-old activist stated, "I am open to dialogue with the government."
"I am prepared to go to any extent if you choose to do likewise. My stance is to remain here until my demands are addressed. Any attempt to arrest or evict us from Mumbai could have severe repercussions," he cautioned.
Jarange further conveyed his message to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that he had no plans to leave Mumbai.
"I trust the high court will deliver justice to the impoverished Marathas. We are complying with all directives from the high court. There are 4,000 to 5,000 protesters. Provide us accommodations if you wish," he asserted.
Jarange accused CM Fadnavis of misleading the high court and warned him of consequences.
He urged the government to issue a GR implementing Hyderabad and Satara gazettes to declare Marathas as Kunbis.
The notification should swiftly extend OBC quota benefits to "sage-soyare" (blood relatives) of eligible Marathas, Jarange insisted.
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