Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj backs Jarange Patil's Maratha quota stir, targets government

Manoj Jarange Patil has once again taken to agitation over the demand for Maratha reservation. After starting a hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati, he now intends to head to Mumbai to protest there as well. Mumbai Police have refused permission for the agitation, but Jarange Patil remains firm on his decision to go on hunger strike at Azad Maidan. Against this backdrop, Kolhapur MP Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj has announced his support for Jarange Patil's agitation.

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj said in clear terms that it is the state government's own conduct that has forced Jarange Patil to launch another agitation. Taking direct aim at the state government, he said the entire Maratha community backs Jarange Patil's fight for the community's rights and justice. He also said the government should act on the Maratha community's demands immediately and effectively in a manner that holds up legally.

The Maratha community has for several years been agitating democratically for reservation and other demands and facilities. Large peaceful silent marches were held across the state during this period, along with sit-in protests in various talukas and districts. As the next phase of these agitations, Manoj Jarange Patil has gone on prolonged hunger strikes several times. The government has given various assurances from time to time to halt the agitation, but Shahu Maharaj claims the government and administration have failed to fully implement these assurances as expected. This is why Jarange Patil has once again begun a fast unto death at Antarwali Sarati.

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj also said that Jarange Patil's agitation has had the backing of the entire Maratha community before, and the Maratha community of Kolhapur district now supports the proposed agitation in Mumbai as well. He demanded that the government take the initiative itself to resolve the Maratha community's pending demands within the legal framework and implement it effectively.

Meanwhile, Manoj Jarange Patil has renewed his efforts at the administrative level to hold a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Mumbai Police had earlier refused permission for the agitation, citing rule violations, possible traffic jams and public safety concerns. Despite the refusal, Jarange Patil has himself sent an email to senior Mumbai Police officials seeking permission for a peaceful agitation and hunger strike at Azad Maidan. His representatives had earlier applied for permission as well, but now that the request has come through Jarange Patil's own official email, attention is on the administration's decision. While the question of permission for the Mumbai agitation remains unresolved, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj's support is being seen as adding political weight to the Maratha reservation agitation.