As the hunger strike initiated by Maratha quota advocate Manoj Jarange-Patil reaches its 11th day, the Maharashtra government has opted to cease further discussions with him.
Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil announced on Tuesday in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar that the government will not be sending any representatives to engage with Jarange-Patil, emphasizing that they will continue their efforts to address the related issues. He noted, “If Jarange-Patil chooses to maintain his position, that is his individual decision.” In response, Jarange-Patil remarked, “You are not invited here; please do not come to Antarwali Sarati.”
On Monday night, ministers Uday Samant and Prasad Lad reached out to Jarange-Patil via phone, after which he resumed his medical care at the fasting location in Antarwali-Sarati, Jalna district.
During a press briefing, Vikhe-Patil stated that the government would not send a team to Antarwali-Sarati for further negotiations, asserting that the administration has already met its obligations and anticipates a reciprocal response from Jarange-Patil. “If he remains dissatisfied with our efforts, we believe we have exhausted all reasonable alternatives,” he added.
Vikhe-Patil highlighted several significant actions taken by the government, including the release of 5.8 million records, the ongoing issuance of Kunbi certificates, and active administrative reviews.
Emphasizing that the government has made all necessary efforts, Vikhe-Patil stated, “If Jarange-Patil is still unhappy, we are addressing any lingering issues. Ultimately, our decisions are made for the greater good of the Maratha community, and we are in the process of implementing them.”
Vikhe-Patil also defended Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting that no prior administration in the last 25-30 years has made such impactful moves for the Maratha community.
In reaction to the government’s choice not to engage directly with him, Jarange-Patil accused Vikhe-Patil of significantly harming the Maratha community. “No one has caused us as much trouble as he has. He has wasted a year with empty promises and fulfilled Fadnavis’ ambitions,” he expressed.
Jarange-Patil criticized Vikhe-Patil for failing to deliver the Satara Princely State Gazetteer within the promised month, noting that a year has passed without progress. He also mentioned the lack of action regarding the Hyderabad Gazetteer.
He further condemned BJP Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Shiv Sena Minister Sanjay Shirsat for undermining the Maratha cause, labeling them a “stain on the Maratha community.”
Jarange-Patil has announced plans to initiate a protest in Mumbai starting September 12. In response, Vikhe-Patil reiterated that the government has already taken necessary actions and commenced implementation, urging the activist to consider the government’s initiatives positively and rethink his plans for protest.
