Health Concerns Arise for Manoj Jarange Amidst Ongoing Hunger Strike for Maratha Reservation

Jalna, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent leader in the Maratha reservation movement, received medical treatment late Monday night into Tuesday. His hunger strike, which has now reached its 11th day, is focused on various demands from the Maratha community.

Due to a significant decline in his health, a team of doctors administered an IV saline solution after discovering that his blood sugar levels had dropped dangerously low, causing him to feel faint. The medical team acted swiftly to address his condition.

Upon learning of Jarange’s deteriorating health, Minister Uday Samant and MLA Prasad Lad reached out to him via phone. They urged him to seek medical treatment and assured him that discussions on all relevant issues would commence on September 8.

Following their appeal, Jarange agreed to receive the saline treatment around 2:30 AM. Subsequently, the medical team began administering the necessary care.

Reports indicate that a government delegation is expected to visit the area today. Efforts are ongoing to engage in discussions regarding the Maratha reservation issues.

Jarange’s health has been a growing concern among his supporters, as he has been on a hunger strike for over a week. Meanwhile, the administration is monitoring the situation closely.

The demands from Jarange and fellow activists include recognition of all individuals from the Maratha community as Kunbis, allowing them to be included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. The Kunbi community in Maharashtra is associated with agriculture and is considered socially and educationally backward, already benefiting from OBC reservations.

In the past, there have been protests regarding Maratha reservations, leading the government to establish guidelines based on historical documents from the Hyderabad Gazetteer and the Nizam era. Families that can provide evidence of their Kunbi lineage may be issued Kunbi caste certificates.

However, current OBC and Kunbi organizations in Maharashtra argue that granting blanket Kunbi status to all Marathas without proper documentation could dilute their quotas.