Activist Manoj Jarange Urges CM Fadnavis to Support Maratha Quota Demand

Pune, Aug 28 (PTI): Activist Manoj Jarange has described this as an opportune moment for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to gain the support of the Maratha community by agreeing to their reservation demand. Jarange, who is set to lead a renewed agitation for the Maratha quota in Mumbai starting Friday, voiced his thoughts upon reaching Pune. He also expressed discontentment over the government permitting only a one-day protest in Mumbai, considering it a disrespect to him and the community.

Beginning his journey from Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on Wednesday, the 43-year-old activist reached Shivneri Fort, near Pune, alongside hundreds of supporters on Thursday morning. He reiterated his intent to arrive in Mumbai by Thursday evening and commence an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan.

"I again urge Chief Minister Fadnavis to seize this opportunity to meet the Maratha community's demands. If he fulfills these requests, the community will remember him fondly," Jarange told reporters at Shivneri. He implored the CM to discard any stern stance against the Maratha community.

The Azad Maidan police station’s senior inspector, responding to Jarange's request, permitted a peaceful protest on August 29 from 9 am to 6 pm, with a cap of 5,000 protesters and only five vehicles allowed from Wadi Bunder Junction. This limitation was deemed offensive by Jarange, who called for a change in these conditions and emphasized that a single day isn't enough to achieve the protest's goals.

Despite challenges, Jarange affirmed his resolve to continue protesting, instructing his followers to remain peaceful. He mentioned a possible meeting with a government delegation, though state minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, chairman of the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha quota, stated no talks were planned.

En route to Mumbai, Jarange intends to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birthplace. His peaceful demonstration will not disturb the ongoing Ganesh festival, he assured. His aim is to have Marathas recognized as Kunbis, facilitating their inclusion in the OBC category for job and education reservations.

The Jalna police have granted permission for Jarange's march under 40 stipulations to evade law and order issues, ensuring vehicular movement remains unhindered and barring any provocative slogans.

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