Maratha quota activist ends 5-day hunger strike

Manoj Jarange-Patil was on a hunger strike, demanding reservations in jobs and education for Marathas from the Marathwada and western Maharashtra regions.

To demand reservations for Marathas belonging to the Marathwada and western Maharashtra regions in jobs and education, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil went on a hunger strike. He has now ended the same on the 5th day of the strike. The government has stated that it is taking proactive steps to address the reservation issue.

Manoj Jarange-Patil ends his hunger strike.

In signs of a breakthrough in the Maratha quota agitation, the Maharashtra government agreed to Maratha leader Manoj Jarange-Patil’s primary demand to implement the Hyderabad Gazette that identifies Marathas as belonging to the Kunbi peasant community. The government even decided to withdraw all cases filed against those protesting in demand for the reservation. Jarange-Patil said that once the government issues a resolution, his supporters will vacate Mumbai by 9 pm. Hours after the announcement, he ended his 5-day hunger strike and said, “We have won”. He was seen having water offered by Maharashtra minister RadhakrishnaVikhepatil to end his hunger strike.

Manoj Jarange-Patil addressed his supporters after meeting the ministers.

Ministers RadhakrishnaVikhePatil, ManikraoKokate, ShivendraRajeBhosale were among those present in the meeting. This was the first communication between the state government and the leader of the quota agitation. Mr.Patil insisted on the Hyderabad Gazette because he considers it undeniable proof that Marathas in the Marathwada region were officially recorded as Kunbis, a peasant caste. This document helps him position the reservation not as a political move, but as a restoration of a historical identity. After meeting the ministers, he addressed his supporters and said, “We won with your strength, today I understood the power of the poor.”