Talks with Vikhe Patil fail, Jarange firm on indefinite hunger strike from Saturday

Pune: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange remained firm in his resolve to launch an indefinite hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati village starting Saturday morning, despite a high-level visit from state minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Friday.

Patil, who chairs the cabinet subcommittee on Maratha reservation, led a delegation that included BJP MLC Prasad Lad and other senior officials. In a bid for transparency, Jarange conducted the meeting in the presence of reporters. During the discussion, he expressed disappointment, alleging that the state govt has failed to fulfill its promises regarding the implementation of the Maratha reservation.

“I asked the minister to provide the govt’s assurances in writing. He has sought more time, but I am going ahead with the indefinite hunger strike starting Saturday at 10am,” Jarange told reporters following the meeting.

In a appeal to his supporters, Jarange asked them not to travel to Antarwali Sarati to join him. “I will be sitting under the sun without any overhead cover. I do not want members of the Maratha community to suffer in this scorching heat. I will continue to raise our community’s issues on their behalf,” he said.

During the deliberations, Vikhe Patil informed Jarange that the authorities had discovered nearly 58 lakh records in the Hyderabad Gazette and that the govt has issued 12 lakh certificates to date. However, Jarange countered that the administration must drastically expedite the issuance process.

“Since the minister failed to provide a satisfactory response to our demands, I have decided to proceed with the agitation. The delegation is free to return for discussion at any time, but I will not withdraw my strike,” Jarange added.