Manoj Jarange launches agitation in Jalna, demands Maratha reservation under OBC category

Mumbai: Under scorching Sun and sizzling temperatures, Manoj Jarange Patil, in an open field in Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, launched yet another agitation on Saturday demanding Maratha reservation under the OBC category.

During the day, Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the sub-committee on Maratha issues, met him, however, he could not persuade him to withdraw the fast.

Jarange Patil is demanding the implementation of the Hyderabad gazetteer - which enlists Marathas as Kunbis in the Marathwada region - and distribution of certificates to enable them to get reservation benefits as OBC.

Besides, he has also sought the creation of a ministry for the Maratha community on the lines of the one for the Other Backward Classes.

He also demanded that the state government immediately implement the Satara, Aundh and other gazettes, validate already issued caste certificates, and drop police cases registered against Maratha protesters during previous agitations.

“I am not fond of fasting, but those in power are taking a cruel 'agnipariksha' (trial by fire) of the Maratha community,” Jarange Patil had said before launching the agitation.