‘Asking for what is ours’: Manoj Jarange’s hunger strike over Maratha quota enters Day 2; warns of escalation

NEW DELHI: Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange continued his indefinite hunger strike for the second day at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, demanding reservation rights for the Maratha community in education and jobs. The 43-year-old activist and his supporters faced difficulties due to overnight rains and lack of basic amenities while demanding that all Marathas be recognized as Kunbis under OBC category.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government is open to addressing the Marathas' social and financial issues, but not political reservation matters. He mentioned that a cabinet sub-committee is examining Jarange's demands within the constitutional framework.

The protesters encountered challenges at the protest site, including muddy grounds and insufficient water supply in toilets. Many supporters took shelter at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station on Friday night.Jarange issued a stern warning about escalating the protest: "If you take time to make a decision (on the announcement of reservation), more and more Marathas will come to Mumbai. If the government wants to destroy Marathas, why did it initiate dialogue?"He strongly rejected any suggestion of reducing OBC quotas: "We have never said that you should reduce the OBC quota and give it to us.

We are asking for what is our right....This is our final fight. I will stop taking water in the next two days if there is a delay."The activist accused the government of attempting to create divisions between Marathas and OBCs. Opposition party MPs and legislators visited Jarange at Azad Maidan to express their support.Protesters at the railway station, which serves as Central Railway headquarters, criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for not providing adequate washroom facilities and water supply.

Many demonstrators resorted to taking shelter in their vehicles parked along Mahapalika Marg near the BMC headquarters.This marks Jarange's return to protest after calling off his previous hunger strike in January, which ended on the sixth day following intervention by BJP MLA Suresh Dhas on behalf of the state government.This current demonstration represents his seventh protest since 2023. During his previous protest, Jarange had warned about launching a major agitation in Mumbai if the promised measures were not implemented quickly.The protesters continue their demonstration at Azad Maidan, awaiting the government's response to their demands for reservation rights.