Fadnavis Responsible If Maratha Quota Demand Not Fulfilled: Jarange | Aurangabad News

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR/PUNE: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange said this was state govt’s last chance to accept all demands of the community and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis would be held responsible otherwise, before starting another indefinite hunger strike from Monday midnight.
Jarange’s fresh strike is scheduled to align with Marathwada Mukti Sangram Day on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media in the Antarwali Sarati village on Monday, Jarange said, “This strike is the Maratha community‘s way of giving govt another chance. We have no intention of playing politics. If govt does not want us to engage in politics, it should fulfil our demands.”
He said, “I have decided to go on hunger strike all of a sudden. My community has been fighting for reservation for the past one year. This time, it’ll be a conclusive hunger strike.”
Referring to his previous strike, Jarange pointed out that state govt was responsive, but the situation has changed. “We will continue our efforts. No movement depends on someone showing up. If govt does not provide quota for the Maratha community, Fadnavis will be held accountable,” he said.
Jarange had recently announced he would take a decision on fielding candidates of his community in the upcoming assembly elections or ensure defeat of MLAs not supporting his demand.
He clarified his stance on Monday and said, “From today, I will not speak on political matters. Our movement is not connected to any election, and I will not utter a word on politics. State govt should implement Maratha reservation and not try to escape responsibility later.” He added that if govt fails to fulfill the demand, there will be no point blaming Marathas later for Mahayuti’s debacle in polls and gains made by the opposition.
“We do not want to enter politics. That is not our goal. If govt accepts all our demands, we will immediately withdraw agitations. Its inaction is forcing us to contemplate other options,” Jarange said.
The assembly polls are expected to be held immediately after Diwali. Jarange has warned govt to take a decision on his demands before the code of conduct comes into place.
“If the code of conduct comes into place, no decision can be taken. Hence, I am demanding that govt take a call immediately. We want all Maratha community members to be treated as Kunbi and implementation of the sage soyare clause right away, along with other demands,” said the activist.
Meanwhile, commenting on the latest state govt resolution (GR) to club the Dhangad and Dhangar communities, Jarange commended the move and said, “This is a positive step. The demand has existed for a long time. Their children will benefit, and they should be granted reservation under the scheduled tribes (ST) category.”
Jarange urged the Maratha community to continue showing its strength and support, particularly for the hunger strike planned in Pandharpur.