Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, September 14 (Daily Kiran) : Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent leader of the Maratha reservation movement, made an emotional appeal on the 17th day of his hunger strike in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He revealed that he has stopped receiving saline and other medical assistance, leading to a decline in his health. Patil’s upcoming journey to Mumbai may be his final meeting with the people of Maharashtra.
“I am on the 17th day of my hunger strike. After the saline was removed, I started experiencing pain again. I will travel to Mumbai almost alone, accompanied by only four or five supporters. I can hardly stand, so please do not organize any welcoming events along the way. If I have the strength, I will speak to the people. You can come to meet me. This might be our last meeting. Please bless me from the streets, but do not join the Mumbai march just yet. This could also be my farewell to the Godavari region and Maharashtra,” he stated.
Patil urged the Maratha community to continue the fight, emphasizing that they must not give up under any circumstances. “Wherever my body falls, it will fall, but the Maratha community must fight so fiercely that future generations can proudly say, ‘He died, but did not bow down.’ I do not wish to die without securing our rights. The dignity of our society must not be compromised,” he added.
The leader also criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alleging that political strategies are being employed to weaken the Maratha movement. He stressed the importance of responding to every move made by the government. “Attempts are being made to defame and suppress the Maratha movement, but our community must remain united,” he said.
Patil asserted that there is no shortage of leadership within the Maratha community. If one leader steps back, another will emerge. He encouraged supporters to back individuals or parties that can aid in securing reservations, as personal political preferences will not safeguard the community’s future.
Claiming that 5.5 crore hardworking Marathas could halt Mumbai at any moment, he contrasted their influence with that of a small, politically and economically powerful elite.
He explained that he had accepted some medical assistance at the request of the government and the community, but due to a lack of positive response to his demands, he has refused further treatment. Over the past week, the saline had stabilized his blood sugar, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, but he is now experiencing rapid changes after discontinuing it.
Preparing to leave for Mumbai without formal police permission, Patil advised his supporters against wearing garlands or shawls during his welcome, citing health risks. He suggested creating small rest areas along the route instead of long platforms, allowing him to take breaks during the journey.
He also urged supporters not to spend money on meeting him right now, but to save resources for the upcoming major march in Mumbai.
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