As Manoj Jarange Patil's hunger strike enters its sixth day, Maratha supporters have paralyzed major highways across Maharashtra. Protests and bandhs in Jalna, Beed, and Dharashiv are intensifying.

  • Activist Manoj Jarange Patil continues his fast, though he agreed to IV fluids for medical stability.
  • Protesters have launched 'rasta-roko' demonstrations on crucial highways including Dhule-Solapur and Nanded-Bidar.
  • Bandhs have been observed in Jalna, Beed, and Dharashiv to support the cause.
  • Key demands include reservation based on historical gazettes and the distribution of Kunbi certificates.

The agitation for Maratha reservation in Maharashtra has reached a fever pitch. On the sixth day of activist Manoj Jarange Patil's hunger strike, his supporters have moved to block major national highways across the Marathwada region. The 'rasta-roko' protests are aimed at exerting maximum pressure on the state government to fulfill long-standing community demands.

In the Jalna district, specifically in the Antarwali Sarati region, the influx of protesters has reached unprecedented levels. Local police have reported a massive surge in the number of people visiting the site. To bolster the movement, a 'bandh' was announced in Jalna on Thursday, which saw significant participation in neighboring districts like Beed and Dharashiv.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the persistence of this protest highlights a growing rift between the state administration and the Maratha community. The ability of protesters to shut down major economic corridors like the Dhule-Solapur highway demonstrates the scale of mobilization and the potential for prolonged regional instability.

"I will continue to fast until the issues are resolved. I am giving two days to the government to act," stated Manoj Jarange Patil.

The logistical impact of the protest has been severe. Commuters faced significant delays on the Nanded-Bidar road, the Kalam-Latur road, and the Tuljapur-Hyderabad route. In parts of Hingoli, including Shengaon and Goregaon, local businesses remained shuttered as the community stood in solidarity with the movement.

Historical Background: This is not an isolated incident; Manoj Jarange Patil is conducting his 11th protest in the last three years. The core of the dispute lies in the implementation of reservation based on the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes, and the immediate distribution of certificates for approximately 58 lakh Kunbis based on existing records.

Did You Know?: The demand for reservation often hinges on the classification of certain Maratha subgroups as 'Kunbis' to qualify for Other Backward Class (OBC) benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What are the specific demands of the Maratha protesters?
Answer: They are demanding reservation based on historical gazette records, validation of existing certificates, and the distribution of Kunbi certificates.

Question 2: How is the government responding to the protest?
Answer: While the government has extended certain committee timelines, the protesters claim these measures are insufficient and demand immediate implementation of their demands.