Maratha activist Jarange Patil launches indefinite hunger strike over reservation demand

Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent Maratha activist, commenced an indefinite hunger strike on Wednesday in pursuit of his long-standing demand for reservation benefits for the Maratha community in Maharashtra. The protest marks an escalation in his campaign, which has garnered significant attention across the state.

Addressing supporters at the protest site, Jarange Patil appealed to state authorities to abandon what he characterized as dilatory tactics and move toward concrete resolution of the reservation question. The activist has previously spearheaded mass mobilizations calling for constitutional safeguards for Marathas in education and employment sectors.

The demand for Maratha reservation remains a contentious political issue in Maharashtra. While some communities have expressed support for the cause, others have raised concerns about its implementation and potential implications for existing reservation frameworks. The matter has also attracted attention from multiple political parties seeking to address the grievances of their respective constituencies.

Jarange Patil's decision to undertake an indefinite hunger strike underscores the intensity of feeling within sections of the Maratha community regarding their representation in government services and educational institutions. The protest is likely to intensify pressure on the state administration to provide clarity on its position regarding the disputed reservation proposal.