Manoj Jarange, Maratha quota activist, suspends indefinite hunger strike, Manoj Jarange, Manoj Jarange fasting, Manoj Jarange Patil News

Mumbai: Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on Thursday announced his decision to suspend his indefinite hunger strike over the Maratha quota issue. The move reportedly follows the state government’s announcement of steps to withdraw certain criminal cases filed during the Maratha community’s protests for reservation last year.

Jarange, who is demanding that the Maratha community be given reservation under the OBC category, started a hunger strike again six days ago. One of his demands is withdrawal of the cases filed against Maratha quota activists. On Wednesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked Jarange to give up his hunger strike as the state government has started to respond to his demand.

“I would like to stress that the government is taking his fasting seriously and the process of withdrawing the cases is underway. The state government has already issued the first notification and we are actively working on it,” Fadnavis told reporters. As for issuing Kunbi certificate to Marathas who have the required documents, Fadnavis said he was in talks with the OBC leaders.

Kunbi, an agrarian township, falls in the OBC category. OBC leaders, including senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal, are against Marathas getting the benefits of reservations in the OBC category. “I will consult Bhujbal. I will clarify the procedure for obtaining an OBC or Kunbi certificate for those who have the necessary documents. We are determined to ensure fairness to the OBCs,” Fadnavis said. “I request Manoj Jarange to end his hunger strike. The state has always supported reservations (for Marathas),” the BJP leader added.