Pro-OBC quota activists halt hunger strike after talks with Bhujbal-led delegation

Jalna (Maharashtra): A day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that OBC reservation would not be affected and the government would soon set up a cabinet committee to look into their issues, pro-OBC quota activist Laxman Hake on Saturday called off his 10-day indefinite hunger strike after talks with a ministerial delegation led by NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal.

Hake, however, clarified that he had not called off his protest entirely but had suspended it after the government partially met his demands, demanding that the OBC quota not be touched, that action be taken against the issuance of fake caste certificates and that a debate be held on OBC issues during the monsoon session of the Assembly, which begins on June 27.

Navnath Waghmare, who was also on hunger strike, also stopped his protest.

Hake and Waghmare have been on hunger strike since June 13 demanding recognition of the Kunbis, an agricultural OBC group, as Marathas so that they can be entitled to a quota in government jobs and education. The duo has opposed any attempt to dilute the OBC quota.

Bhujbal, founder of the Samata Parishad, attacked pro-Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, saying his harassment was ineffective. “Reservation is not a ‘garibi hatao’ programme, it is meant to gradually improve the unjust society,” he said.

“The fight is not over yet. We are not afraid of anyone. From now on, if you (OBC) all stay together, your reservation will remain. Nothing will happen if you sit with folded hands.”

“In future, if the power of the people unites, the power of money will be defeated. We want seats in the state assembly and the Lok Sabha. The caste-based census should be conducted as Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pledged his support for it,” Bhujbal said.

“We want to stand with Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare. The Dalit and tribal communities are behind you (OBCs). Fake documents have been issued in many places in the state. Action must be taken against those who have issued fake documents. Fake documents will be re-verified. Action will be initiated against those who issue fake documents,” Bhujbal said.