Actor Riteish Deshmukh, who happens to be the son of the former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilas Rao Deshmukh, recently took to a popular social media platform to express his heartfelt wishes for the well-being of Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil. This activist has been making significant sacrifices by embarking on his second indefinite hunger strike, passionately advocating for the rights of the Maratha community in their quest for government jobs and educational reservations under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
Riteish Deshmukh, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, extended his support and concern for Jarange Patil's noble cause. He emphasized the peaceful nature of Jarange Patil's hunger strike, characterizing it as an expression of the Maratha community's just and long-pending demand. In his tweet, which was composed in the Marathi language, Riteish Deshmukh invoked his earnest prayers for Jarange Patil's health. He also expressed optimism that this pressing issue would soon find a satisfactory resolution.
At the age of 40, Jarange Patil embarked on his second hunger strike within the confines of his native village, Antarwali Sarati. This determined act followed the expiration of the 40-day deadline he had set for the Maharashtra government to address the reservations for the Maratha community. During the initiation of this second hunger strike, Jarange Patil made it abundantly clear that he had allowed a considerable amount of time for the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government to act, and he was no longer willing to wait.
Medical professionals have reported that his health condition has significantly deteriorated as a consequence of his prolonged hunger strike. This is indeed a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause.
In a related development, back in August, Jarange Patil had previously embarked on a hunger strike in the same village. The protest, which commenced on August 29, ultimately concluded on September 14 after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde engaged in discussions with the activist. The Maratha community, which holds considerable political influence, constitutes approximately 30 percent of the state's total population.
