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Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil has called off his latest hunger strike, which began on January 25, 2025, in pursuit of Maratha community reservations under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. This was his seventh hunger strike, which he initiated at Antarwali Sarati. After six days of protest, the strike was finally withdrawn, marking a significant achievement for his movement. The government has accepted four of his key demands, bringing the Maratha reservation cause a step closer to resolution.
During his hunger strike, Manoj Jarange Patil put forth several demands before the government, including immediate issuance of Kunbi caste certificates, swift implementation of the 'Sage-Soyare' scheme, extension of the Shinde Committee's tenure, and the establishment of dedicated verification units. While not all demands have been met, the Maharashtra government has agreed to the following four:
Following the conclusion of the hunger strike, Mumbai's renowned dabbawalas have extended a heartfelt message to Manoj Jarange Patil. While acknowledging his dedication to the Maratha community, they advised him against using hunger strikes as a repeated method of protest. They expressed concern for his health and cautioned that frequent hunger strikes could diminish their impact over time. Instead, they suggested adopting alternative forms of agitation such as sit-in protests, demonstrations, and rallies.
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The dabbawalas emphasized that the Maratha community's reservation movement requires sustained and strategic efforts, urging Jarange Patil to consider methods that would not put his well-being at risk. As the government continues its deliberations, the movement remains strong, with supporters hoping for a permanent resolution in the near future.