Jarange Patil to begin fast unto death at Azad Maidan on September 19
Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange Patil says he will march to Mumbai on September 15 and start an indefinite hunger strike four days later.
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On the 16th day of the agitation for Maratha reservation at Antarwali Sarati, Manoj Jarange Patil has again made clear his plan to march to Mumbai. He said he will leave for Mumbai with supporters on September 15 and begin a fast unto death at Azad Maidan from 10 am on September 19.
Jarange sharply criticised minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, saying Bawankule was striking from behind cover and that his officers were now working even on Saturdays and Sundays. Jarange said the Maratha community would reach Mumbai whether it rained or shone, and assured that the agitation would not be allowed to affect farmers' households. He said the plan was to halt at Patoda and Shrigonda on the way.
Jarange alleged that people helping the agitation with money or in other ways were being investigated. He asked what was wrong if well off members of the community helped the agitation. He said people close to him were being harassed through Bawankule's system, but that notices, investigations or pressure would not stop the agitation, and would instead make it more intense.
On concerns that the agitation would cause problems in Mumbai during Ganeshotsav, Jarange also targeted minister Uday Samant. He asked why the issue was being raised now when the Maratha community had held a peaceful agitation in Mumbai during Ganeshotsav last year as well. He said investigation and pressure would not end the agitation, but instead increase the community's anger.
Jarange also warned Eknath Shinde. He recalled that the Maratha community had trusted Shinde, respected him and welcomed the government's decisions. He also indicated that if Devendra Fadnavis accepted all the demands of the Maratha community and the atmosphere with the government turned positive, political equations could change.
On the Mumbai police not granting permission for the fast at Azad Maidan, Jarange said whatever happens now will happen in Mumbai itself. He said an application had been made through legal channels and the agitation would follow the conditions set by the court, but that they would not back down even if there was an attempt to stop the agitation.
Attention now turns to how many supporters accompany Jarange Patil to Mumbai on September 15, and what stance the administration takes on the Azad Maidan agitation on September 19.
