Quota Activism Intensifies: Manoj Jarange's Indefinite Fast and Political Turmoil

Manoj Jarange, a quota activist, has started an indefinite fast to push for the classification of the Maratha community as Kunbis under the OBC category. Addressing reporters, he highlighted historical gazettes supporting his cause. Meanwhile, OBC activist Navnath Waghmare threatens a counter-hunger strike, accusing Jarange of causing political unrest.

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced the launch of an indefinite fast, the sixth over a year, starting from Monday midnight, calling for the classification of the Maratha community as Kunbis under the OBC category.

Addressing reporters at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, the epicenter of the Maratha quota agitation, Jarange demanded the government implement historical gazettes from the erstwhile Hyderabad State, Bombay Presidency, and Satara Sansthan, which he claimed recognized Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian community.

"I have no choice but to fast unto death for these demands. I must ensure the defeat of candidates from the ruling parties in the upcoming Assembly elections," he asserted.

Meanwhile, OBC quota activist Navnath Waghmare has warned of launching a hunger strike from Tuesday if Jarange resorts to fasting.

Jarange also reiterated his allegations against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal. He accused Fadnavis of creating obstacles to granting reservations to the Maratha community and Bhujbal of inciting riots by instigating OBCs against Maratha reservation.

Additionally, Jarange extended his support to the Dhangar community's demand for inclusion in the ST category.

Jarange had staged multiple hunger strikes in the past year, which galvanized the Maratha community, prompting the state government to offer a 10 percent reservation for Marathas in education and government jobs. However, Jarange rejected the reservation declared under the socially and educationally backward category.

Waghmare has accused Jarange of creating "drama" in the name of the fast, with Waghmare and his associate Laxman Hake opposing the reservation of Marathas under the OBC category.

(With inputs from agencies.)