Jagrange-Patil announces dry-hunger strike from today and the movement stands intensifies. What's the endgame? No-one has a clue.
The Maratha community feels neglected in the state of Maharashtra and under its esteemed political captain seeks reservation by recognition under Kunbi OBC reservation. The quota agitation in Maharashtra has entered a critical phase as prominent activist Manoj Jarange-Patil intensified his indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, proceeds to announce dry-hunger strike, giving up water as well,
Yes, after three days 'without resolution' from the Maharashtra government, Jarange got off his helicopter and announced that he would give up drinking water from today, September 1st, to escalate pressure for a 10% reservation for Marathas under the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category. This is seen by many as a political statement with high individual aspirations and allegedly motivated by few pressure groups from several directions.
Jarange-Patil's main demand is for the Maratha community to be recognised as Kunbis, a traditionally agrarian caste which was placed under the OBC group in older gazetteers such as the Hyderabad and Satara gazettes. He believes that the categorisation based on population reports of 58 lakh Marathas being designated as Kunbis merits the community the right to reservation allowances in the government service and education.
The protest has grown to comprise an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 supporters, turning Azad Maidan and the surrounding areas into a huge demonstration ground. The sheer numbers have greatly impacted traffic in South Mumbai, including prominent roads such as Marine Drive, DN Road, and P D'Mello Road, leading to police advisories and traffic diversions. In spite of the size of the agitation, Jarange has appealed to the participants to keep the peace and not resort to violence or hooliganism.
The state government, guided by a Cabinet sub-committee that is chaired by Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, has held several meetings to discuss legal and constitutional issues hindering the grant of reservation. The sub-committee is seeking advice from lawyers and the Advocate General to ensure any decision is in accordance with the laws in place.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government's intentions to tackle community issues but pointed out that any quota has to adhere to constitutional provisions. Fadnavis has been taken to task by Jarange for being perceived as inactive and for his efforts to dampen the agitation using political means.
In spite of the government's position, Jarange-Patil has pledged to remain steadfast in his protest until the demands are fulfilled, declaring he would "not leave Mumbai till Marathas get reservation under OBC quota" and is willing to bear any adversity, including fasting. His strong determination has led to heightened public focus and intensified political pressure on the Maharashtra administration. Also, this can an attempt to gain political mileage which would not be so unusual.
The unrest has also triggered political responses, with some leaders calling for immediate government intervention and others condemning the current stalemate. The government of Maharashtra is coming under growing pressure to implement a legally sound solution to the Maratha quota controversy, which is an emotive issue in the state's political milieu.
