Manoj Jarange begins hunger strike for Maratha Reservation in Mumbai, demands OBC status

Maratha reservation movement leader Manoj Jarange has started a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. The movement is demanding inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and 10% reservation. Jarange wants all Marathas to be recognized as “Kunbi” (an agrarian caste that is included in OBC) so that they can get reservation benefits in government jobs and educational institutions.

Mumbai: Maratha reservation movement leader Manoj Jarange has started a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. The movement is demanding inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and 10% reservation.

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Jarange wants all Marathas to be recognized as "Kunbi" (an agrarian caste that is included in OBC) so that they can get reservation benefits in government jobs and educational institutions.

Protest conditions and police preparations

Jalna police allowed the march by imposing 40 conditions on Jarange and his supporters, including maintaining law and order, not obstructing traffic, and avoiding objectionable sloganeering.

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Mumbai police have allowed only 5,000 protesters and 5 vehicles at Azad Maidan, with 1,500 policemen deployed. Railway police have also beefed up security at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Protesters' anger and demands from the government

The protesters expressed anger and said that if the government cannot give them reservation, they should "shoot them." "Our life is full of difficulties, and the government does not realize it," said Maruti Patil, a farmer.

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The protesters complained that the government did not even build a temporary structure (shed or pandal) for them, due to which they have to live in rain and mud.

Political response and future challenges

The protesters warned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that if reservation is not given, the movement will become bigger. He said, "The Chief Minister should not test us. If he cannot give a reservation, then step down."

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Jarange promised that the protest will be peaceful and the Ganesh festival will not be disrupted, but the movement will continue till the demands are met. This movement remains a big challenge to the politics and social harmony of Maharashtra.