Jalna, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : Social activist Manoj Jarange Patil has raised serious concerns regarding the Maharashtra government’s handling of the Maratha reservation issue. In a recent statement, he criticized the Mumbai police for denying permission for a planned hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19.
Speaking to the media in his hometown of Jalna, Patil accused the ruling coalition of violating constitutional rights and attempting to create instability in the state. The police cited potential violations of the Public Assemblies Act of 2025 as the reason for their refusal, referencing past protests at Azad Maidan where conditions were allegedly not met.
In response to the police’s decision, Patil questioned how authorities could assume that protesters would break the rules before the demonstration had even begun. “Why does the government believe we will violate the law before the protest starts? Under what legal authority are they operating?” he asked.
Patil pointed out that the High Court had previously stated that they could not be prevented from going to Mumbai, questioning why the police were acting against the spirit of the judiciary. He described the situation as nothing short of dictatorship and arbitrary governance.
Addressing concerns over potential disruptions during upcoming festivals, Patil dismissed these fears, recalling that past movements during Ganesh Chaturthi had been peaceful and orderly. He emphasized their commitment to the Constitution and the judiciary, asserting that they would not bow to arbitrary government directives.
Patil announced that his planned foot march from Antarwali Sarati to Mumbai would commence as scheduled on September 15. He also declared that he would cease medical treatment and hydration in protest against the government’s actions.
“If the administration wants to silence our voice through injustice, I am prepared to face the consequences, but I will not surrender,” he stated. As the September 19 deadline approaches, his legal team may challenge the police’s refusal for permission in the coming days.
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