Maratha Quota Activist Jarange Patil Ends His 9-Day-Old Fast, Gives Maharashtra Government Two-Month Deadline To Resolve Issue

Maratha Quota Row: Manoj Jarange Patil ends 9-day-old fast

Photo : PTI

Jalna: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil finally decided to withdraw his fast on Thursday evening following extensive discussions with a government delegation. Following the two-hour talks, Jarange-Patil set a deadline of January 2, by which time, he said, the government should announce ‘blanket reservation’ for all Marathas.

Notably, the development comes as a big relief for the NDA government in the state as the quota reservation stir turned violent in several parts of Maharashtra.

Ending his fast by consuming juice, Jarange warned that he would lead a massive march to Mumbai if no decision was taken within two months. His announcement at the fast site in his village in Jalna district came after 4 state ministers met him and requested him to call off the indefinite hunger strike.

“Take time but provide the reservation. This is the last time that I am giving you some more time. Take two months, otherwise, Marathas will stop Mumbai,” Jarange-Patil said.

However, the activist stated that the chain hunger strike would continue. “All other agitations should be suspended, but the chain hunger strike in every village of Maharashtra should continue,” he added.

A delegation of retired high court judges Sandeep Shinde, M G Gaikwad and some officials also met Jarange, who reiterated his demand for reservation for Marathas across Maharashtra. He demanded “fool proof reservation” and asked the state government to give him its assurance. Jarange demanded during talks with a government delegation that reservation should be provided to Marathas throughout Maharashtra.