Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil has alleged a deadly conspiracy against him during his upcoming march to Mumbai. He vowed to continue his hunger strike despite the threats.
The Maratha reservation movement in Maharashtra has taken a dramatic and volatile turn. Activist Manoj Jarange Patil alleged on Sunday that there is a conspiracy to kill him during his proposed peaceful march to Mumbai. Addressing supporters at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, Jarange asserted that he would not be intimidated by the government or any organized attempts to create chaos.
As his hunger strike entered its 16th day, Jarange expressed deep suspicion toward the ruling administration. He claimed that individuals associated with the ruling parties might infiltrate the march to trigger violence and target him personally. "I will accept death, but I will not surrender," Jarange declared, intensifying the emotional stakes of the protest.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the Maratha reservation deadlock is reaching a boiling point, threatening to destabilize the political landscape of Maharashtra. The intersection of reservation demands, religious festivities (Ganpati), and high-stakes political maneuvering creates a volatile environment for law enforcement and governance.
"We will have to respond when someone steps on the tail of a snake," Jarange warned, signaling potential political retaliation.
The activist has outlined a clear timeline: the march will commence on September 15, and an indefinite hunger strike will begin at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on September 19. He specifically targeted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, accusing them of conspiring against the movement. Jarange also claimed that some Maratha MLAs from the BJP and Shiv Sena have been attempting to discourage supporters from joining the march.
Historical Background
The struggle for Maratha reservation has been a recurring theme in Maharashtra's socio-political history. The movement gained significant momentum under Jarange's leadership, following previous large-scale protests at Azad Maidan. The core demand remains the issuance of a Government Resolution (GR) allowing Marathas to claim OBC status based on historical Kunbi records—a demand that faces stiff opposition from existing OBC groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the primary demand of the Maratha protesters?
Answer: They are demanding reservation in jobs and education by being classified under the OBC category based on Kunbi records.
Question 2: When will the hunger strike in Mumbai start?
Answer: The indefinite hunger strike is scheduled to begin at Azad Maidan on September 19.
