Manoj Jarange says Mumbai march certain as his Maratha quota fast enters Day 13

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange said his march to Mumbai will go ahead after the September 12 mobilisation. The declaration increases pressure on the Maharashtra government as his fast enters its 13th day.

In Short

• Manoj Jarange to proceed with Mumbai march after September 12 gathering
• Rejects waiting for Maharashtra govt delegation at protest site
• Demands implementation of Gazette records and Kunbi OBC certificates

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has said his proposed march to Mumbai will go ahead, with the date to be announced after his supporters gather on September 12. He also said he was not waiting for a delegation from the Maharashtra government to visit his protest site.

Jarange, who is on an indefinite fast over Maratha reservation, made the remarks as his hunger strike entered its 13th day on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, he said the next course of action would be decided once supporters assembled for the mobilisation.

"I am definitely going to Mumbai. Once we assemble on September 12, we will announce the date," Jarange told reporters at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra's Jalna district, where he has been sitting on an indefinite fast.

The activist has been protesting for reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes category. He has also been seeking implementation of the Hyderabad and Satara Gazette records and issuance of Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community.

Amid concerns over his health, Jarange said he would watch how camps for issuing Kunbi certificates were conducted and whether they were being organised because of the ongoing agitation. "We have to respond according to the situation. Let us see how the camps for Kunbi certificates are conducted," he said.

On Wednesday, Jarange had accused state minister and Maratha quota sub-committee chairman Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil of betraying the community through sweet talk and assurances alone. He had also warned that he would take his protest to Mumbai after September 12 if his demands were not met.

Targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat, Jarange said his relationship with Shinde had worsened because of Shirsat. "I had spoken respectfully about Eknath Shinde for three years. But he is now speaking in favour of a party and not the community," he alleged.

Jarange said he would continue to speak out against what he described as mistakes by the chief minister and deputy chief ministers. "I will speak for the community, not for any political party," he said.

Jarange has reiterated that the march to Mumbai is certain, while keeping up his indefinite fast and pressing for Maratha reservation, implementation of Gazette records and Kunbi certificates for eligible members of the community.

- Ends