Manoj Jarange Ends Hunger Strike After 9 Days in Maharashtra

Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent activist advocating for Maratha reservation, ended his sixth indefinite hunger strike on the ninth day, following a significant decline in his health. The hunger strike, which began on September 17, took place in Antarwali Sarathi village, Jalna, and aimed to secure the Other Backward Class (OBC) quota for Marathas in government jobs and education. His deteriorating health prompted the courts to advise him to prioritize his well-being, leading to his decision to withdraw from the protest. During the hunger strike, several ministers visited Jarange, offering assurances regarding the implementation of the Maratha reservation. These visits were part of ongoing discussions surrounding the contentious issue of Maratha inclusion in the OBC category, which has sparked significant public interest and debate. The protests have drawn attention to the broader implications of reservation policies in Maharashtra, highlighting the tensions between different community groups. In response to Jarange's activism, OBC activists Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare organized a counter-protest in Wadigodri village, located just 2 km from the main protest site. This counter-protest reflects the complexities of the reservation debate, as various groups vie for recognition and benefits under the state's reservation system. The Maratha reservation movement continues to be a focal point of social and political discourse in Maharashtra, with Jarange's actions underscoring the urgency and emotional weight of the demands for equitable representation in government opportunities.