On Day 2 of his indefinite fast, activist Manoj Jarange braved rain and poor facilities at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, warning the Maharashtra government not to 'test Maratha patience' as a delegation prepares to hold talks.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has ramped up his agitation at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, warning the Maharashtra government not to "test the patience" of the community. On Saturday, the second day of his indefinite hunger strike, he accused the state of spreading misinformation and failing to provide even basic amenities for protesters.
"We are only demanding that we get our rightful share of quota based on the eligibility under the Kunbi category," he said.
"We don't want to indulge in politics. We only want a reservation. The government should not test the patience of the Maratha community," he warned. "We are not asking to reduce the OBC quota. Don't spread misinformation," he charged.
Manoj Jarange further urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis not to insult poor Marathas. He accused Fadnavis of trying to create instability and vitiate the atmosphere in the state.
Traffic came to a halt outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) as agitators spilled onto key roads on Friday, forcing police to step in.
"We are committed to resolving the matter positively," Vikhe Patil said, adding that sanitation and water complaints at the protest site were being addressed.
Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has reiterated that the state will seek a solution within the constitutional framework but stressed that the demand must remain free of political motives.
With the Ganesh festival underway and Mumbai traffic paralysed, pressure is mounting on the state government to strike a deal quickly.