The leaders of the Maratha quota protest in Maharashtra have announced their intent to commence an indefinite hunger strike beginning on Sunday as part of their ongoing efforts to secure reservations for the Maratha community in jobs and educational institutions. Manoj Jarange Patil, the leader of this agitation, who is currently on a hunger strike himself, confirmed on Saturday that residents from villages across the state will join him in this indefinite fast.
Patil emphasized that this hunger strike will be continuous, with participating villagers refraining from food while consuming only water. He encouraged them to come together in solidarity and expressed his belief that a significant number of Maratha community members would take part in this hunger strike, underlining the importance of this movement for the entire nation. The third phase of their protest is also scheduled for October 31.
Unfortunately, a protester advocating for Maratha reservations tragically took their own life by jumping into a water tank in Beed district on Friday, marking the third such instance of individuals resorting to such desperate measures to draw attention to their demand. In response to these incidents, Patil made a heartfelt plea to prevent further suicides, stressing the need for the government to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and commitment.
Patil, who is in the midst of his fourth day of a hunger strike, additionally urged fellow demonstrators to engage in peaceful protests. He issued a warning to the government, emphasizing that they should not underestimate the determination of the protesters and that they would be held accountable if anything were to happen to fasting villagers.
Addressing the delay in passing the Maratha Reservation Bill, Patil voiced his allegations that the state government was obstructing the provision of reservations to the Marathas, suggesting that it was a conspiracy by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to hinder the progress of this community. He further demanded the convening of a special session of the State Assembly to pass the Maratha Reservation Bill.
