Jarange calls off hunger strike, OBC quota unaffected: MLA Parinay Fuke

Manoj Jarange Patil, who had been on a hunger strike for the past twenty days over the demand for Maratha reservation, has now called it off for the time being. The government has been given three months to resolve the matter. The march to Mumbai that was to follow has also been put off for now. The decision was taken after talks with a delegation sent by the government.

Reacting to the development, BJP OBC leader and MLA Dr Parinay Fuke said clearly that OBC reservation has not been harmed in any way.

MLA Dr Fuke said, "First of all, I thank Manoj Jarange Patil for deciding to call off his agitation. If a large number of protesters had reached Mumbai during Ganeshotsav, it could have created serious problems for the common people of Mumbai, Ganesh mandals and the administration. So this decision is welcome."

He further said, "There has been no loss on the OBC reservation front. No decision has been taken to give the Maratha community a share out of OBC reservation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had promised, in a meeting with office-bearers of various OBC organisations, that OBC reservation would not be allowed to be hit under any circumstances. He has kept that promise."

Chief Minister Fadnavis has also said that twelve of Jarange's thirteen demands have been accepted, while one demand faces a legal hurdle.

MLA Dr Fuke further said, "The government has tried to find a way to address the Maratha community's demands without harming the OBC community's right to reservation. So, on behalf of the OBC community, I sincerely thank Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis."

On the Maratha community's demands, he said accepting twelve of the thirteen demands is significant. The government has taken decisions to benefit Maratha students and youth through education, jobs, training, scholarships and various economic schemes. This shows the government remains committed to delivering justice to the Maratha community as well.

Dr Fuke also made clear, "While delivering justice to the Maratha community, it is necessary to ensure OBC reservation is not hit. The right way forward is to find a solution without creating conflict between the two communities, staying within the legal framework and through dialogue."