Jalna: Jarange Patil, Ends Negotiations with Maharashtra Government; Announces Indefinite Hunger Strike
Jalna, 5th January 2024: Manoj Jarange Patil, the prominent figure spearheading the Maratha reservation demand, has officially declared an end to negotiations with the Maharashtra State Government. Expressing dissatisfaction with the recent video conference with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and political leaders, Patil characterized it as another round of empty assurances without any concrete solutions.
In response to the deadlock, Patil has announced an inevitable gathering at Azad Maidan on January 20. He is prepared to initiate an indefinite hunger strike, underlining that further negotiations are now off the table. Patil urged the Maharashtra State Government to decide by this date, warning that two crore Marathas will proceed with their planned march to Mumbai if no resolution is achieved.
During a meeting in his Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna, Patil outlined the extensive support for the protest. He revealed that 1.5 lakh volunteers, 200 lawyers, and 1,500 doctors are ready to assist in Mumbai for legal and medical needs. Patil assured that preparations, including a 45-day food supply for the dharna at Azad Maidan, have been made.
While emphasizing the determination of the protesters not to relent, Patil appealed to the community to refrain from causing harm to crops or public property during their journey to Mumbai. He highlighted the urgency of the situation and expressed frustration with officials allegedly avoiding the issuance of Kunbi certificates for relatives of those with identified records.
Patil insisted on transparency in the negotiation process, revealing that details of the video conference were made public. He lamented the misinterpretation of their demand by certain officials and emphasized the need for a clear resolution to the long-standing issue of the Maratha reservation.
