Maratha quota stir: Jarange Patil to go to Mumbai alone, alleges riot conspiracy
Manoj Jarange Patil says he will travel to Mumbai with just two cars and 10 people after police denied permission for his protest, as his hunger strike enters its 16th day
As Ganeshotsav celebrations begin in the state, the Maratha reservation issue is heating up again. Manoj Jarange Patil had announced he would go to Mumbai for a hunger strike, but Mumbai Police refused permission. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also appealed to Jarange Patil to reconsider the decision. Following these developments, Jarange Patil has taken an aggressive stance.
Jarange Patil said he will now go to Mumbai alone and see how permission is denied. He has also appealed to the Maratha community not to come to Mumbai for now.
Jarange Patil also made a serious allegation regarding the agitation. He said there was a conspiracy to infiltrate people into the Maratha community's protest to incite a riot. He alleged that the government struck by taking cover behind gods and goddesses. Jarange Patil said, "Now we too will play our move, Marathas, I will call you to Mumbai at the right time. On the 15th, I am going alone. Only two vehicles and 10 people will be with me."
Jarange Patil further said, "Now I am setting off, let us see how they stop me. Let us see who refuses permission at Azad Maidan -- there will be a crowd of Marathas, so they denied permission. Now I will go alone. Tomorrow morning I will leave for Mumbai from Antarwali Sarati. The rest of you should not come yet, just keep the vehicles ready, I will call you at the right time."
Jarange Patil also said that he would take the route that had already been decided, and halt at the places already decided. He said that any food already prepared would not go to waste if it was cooked, but for now nothing else should be prepared, as it will be useful later. Halts will be held only at the places already fixed. He said the expense that would have been incurred for lakhs of people has now been saved, since he will go alone. He said money should not be wasted, and the remaining money and supplies will be used for the community's work in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, today is the 16th day of Jarange Patil's hunger strike, and he has stopped taking saline and water as well. His health is deteriorating rapidly. Jarange Patil said, "I am alive on saline for now, I am talking to you, anything could happen at any time, I have begun to feel unwell."
