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Maratha Protesters Block Highway Supporting Manoj Jarange Patil

Manoj Jarange Patil is protesting for reservation benefits for the Maratha community.

He began an indefinite hunger strike in Maharashtra.

On Wednesday, supporters blocked a major highway to show their support.

Protesters sat and lay on the road, stopping vehicles from moving normally.

This caused a long line of traffic.

Police officers were sent to the area to maintain order.

Doctors reportedly wanted to check Patil because his health was getting worse.

However, he refused the medical examination and continued his protest.

Key facts

Protest location: Wadigodri, on the Dhule-Solapur National Highway
State and district: Maharashtra’s Jalna district
Hunger strike started: August 29, 2026
Strike status: The fast entered its fifth day on September 2
Main demands: Action on Maratha reservation and Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Maratha community members
Traffic impact: Vehicles stopped and long queues formed on the highway
Police response: Additional personnel were deployed to maintain law and order and security
Medical situation: Doctors reportedly advised medical attention, but Patil refused a medical examination

freepressjournal.in · 1 hr ago