Maratha Quota Demand Escalates: Manoj Jarange Threatens Indefinite Fast

Activist Manoj Jarange has announced an indefinite fast starting September 29 if the Maharashtra government fails to meet demands for a Maratha quota. Jarange accuses Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of casteism and promises to defeat 113 candidates from the ruling coalition in the upcoming assembly elections.

Activist Manoj Jarange announced he would begin an indefinite fast on September 29 if the Maharashtra government does not meet his demands for Maratha quota by that date. Speaking at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, Jarange criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of casteism and promoting police officials involved in last year's crackdown on Maratha protesters.

Jarange questioned the financial allocation of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, suggesting the money should serve the public rather than political self-promotion. He stressed the need for the Maratha community to receive Other Backward Community (OBC) status, aligning them with the agrarian Kunbi group, thus making them eligible for government job and educational benefits.

Additionally, Jarange demanded the immediate withdrawal of cases against Maratha protesters and warned of political retribution in the upcoming elections. He criticized former Union minister Raosaheb Danve and threatened electoral consequences for his son, Santosh Danve, from the Maratha electorate.

(With inputs from agencies.)