Quota Activist Manoj Jarange To Start Protest In Mumbai Tomorrow

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who plans to launch his protests in Mumbai on January 20, has encouraged Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday to address the issue of Maratha reservation wholeheartedly.

Manoj Jarange who is from Jalna, will leave on Saturday and reach Mumbai to start the protest march for the demand to provide reservation to his community. He is planning for an indefinite hunger strike and it will be at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, Dadar and Azad Maidan near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

“The resolution of the Maratha reservation issue rests with Fadnavis, and he should come forward and resolve the matter with his heart and mind,” Maratha activist said.

Jarange repeated his demand of issuing Kunbi caste certificates to 54 lakh Marathas and has inquired about the progress made so far by the committee. As protest concerning Maratha reservation mounted last year, Maharashtra government has formulated a committee to address the quota issue and it began its work on December last year.

Activist then added that his march to Mumbai would constitute the final leg of the struggle, therefore, urged entire Maratha community to assemble in the capital city on January 26 to show their strength.

“The community is willing to face any legal or police action. Fear of legal consequences will not deter their resolve,” he added.

Manoj Jarange has also accused that the administration has not properly followed the government orders while giving caste certificates to Marathas.

The Maratha community have been demanding reservation in government and educational institutions under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. Jarange Patil is at the forefront in this community agitation.

(With inputs from PTI)