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Maharashtra minister seeks talks with fasting Maratha reservation leader

Maharashtra minister seeks talks with fasting Maratha reservation leader
Maha minister to meet fasting Maratha agitator Manoj Jarange Patil · thestatesman.com

Manoj Jarange Patil is fasting to demand reservation for the Maratha community.

He began his latest hunger strike on August 29.

He says the government must act by September 12.

A Maharashtra minister went to meet him and discuss the issue.

Jarange Patil also told supporters to travel to Mumbai in small groups if there is no agreement.

Doctors checked him after his health worsened and explained that his blood sugar reading was not unusual.

Government ministers said they would seek a solution without reducing OBC reservations.

An OBC leader criticized the government and questioned whether its promises would be kept.

Key facts

Protester
Manoj Jarange Patil
Strike
His 11th indefinite hunger strike began on August 29.
Deadline
Jarange Patil set September 12 for the government to act.
Government visitor
Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil traveled to Antarwali Sarati.
Health update
Doctors said Jarange Patil’s elevated blood sugar was normal and addressed his concerns.
Government position
Minister Uday Samant said Maratha reservation should not reduce reservation meant for OBCs.
Opposition view
OBC leader Laxman Hake criticized the government’s assurances and the OBC sub-committee’s work.

Quotes

Manoj Jarange Patil

Maratha reservation activist leading an indefinite hunger strike

“A solution will be found after discussions with Jarange. Jarange Patil should not misunderstand anyone’s words, especially those making misleading statements. Reservation should be given to the Maratha community without reducing the reservation meant for OBCs.”
thestatesman.com
“Since I began fasting, I have not eaten even a morsel. So how is my blood sugar level so high, when it ought to have decreased? Is this a government conspiracy?”
thestatesman.com

Sources

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