Manoj Jarange, a prominent activist advocating for Maratha quotas, has made an urgent demand for a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a condition for withdrawing his ongoing hunger strike.
Jarange made this request following a conversation with CM Shinde over a phone call. To facilitate discussions, State Industries Minister Uday Samant also met with the activist late in the evening.
Earlier, Jarange had signaled his willingness to conclude his indefinite hunger strike, which he initiated on August 29. However, he firmly stated that he would not vacate the protest site at Antarwali Sarati village in the Jalna district until the state government initiates the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to members of the Maratha community from the Marathwada region. The activist additionally outlined his intention to grant the Maharashtra government a one-month grace period during which a state-appointed committee could prepare its report on the Maratha reservation.
Addressing reporters, Jarange stressed, “I want chief minister Eknath Shinde to come here so that I can withdraw my fast in support of the Maratha quota. Subsequently, we will continue a chain fasting effort along with my supporters at the same protest site.”
In a related development, the Maharashtra government took action by issuing orders to suspend Jalna district Additional Superintendent of Police Rahul Khade and Ambad tehsil Sub Divisional Police Officer Mukund Aghav. These suspensions came in response to the lathi charge incident involving pro-Maratha quota demonstrators at Antarwali Sarati village earlier this month. The state home department issued two separate suspension orders in this regard.