Jalna: After the completion of the assembly elections and formation of the new government, the Maratha reservation issue is set to resurface in Maharashtra. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange indicated this on Monday, announcing that he would once again begin an indefinite hunger strike to demand reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category for government jobs and educational institutions.
Jarange, who has previously fasted multiple times for this cause, revealed that he will announce the date for his hunger strike on Tuesday. Speaking to the media in Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, he stated that members of the Maratha community are welcome to join his fast. Jarange has undertaken hunger strikes in central Maharashtra on several occasions in the past.
The announcement comes after the formation of the new Mahayuti government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the expansion of the state cabinet on December 15. Jarange emphasized that this hunger strike is open to all members of the Maratha community, but participation is not mandatory as it forms part of the larger statewide reservation movement he is leading.
Solid Steps Should Be Taken in Winter Session
Jarange urged the BJP-led government to take concrete steps during the winter session of the state legislature, which is held in Nagpur, to resolve the reservation issue. He stated, “The government has already expressed its commitment to fulfilling the demands of the Maratha community. Now, we expect them to show their sincerity and dedication by taking concrete steps during the session.”
This announcement marks the continuation of the ongoing Maratha reservation movement and sets the stage for renewed protests.
