Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange embarked on a protest march from Jalna district in Maharashtra to Mumbai to intensify his protest for Maratha reservation. He began his march from his native Antarwali Sarati village around 11 AM was joined by thousands of members from the Maratha community.
Speaking to reporters before beginning the march, Jarange lambasted the government for its “cruel and insensitive” attitude and failure to resolve the Maratha reservation issue, and vowed to continue the fight till his last breath.
“The Maratha community gave seven months to the government to provide reservation, but no action was taken all this while,” he told reporters.
“I will continue the protest till my last breath. I won’t relent till the demand for reservation is met,” said an emotional Jarange.
The Maratha activist, citing the alarming rise in suicide in Maratha youths, also slammed the government and ministers. “Maratha youths are ending their lives over the issue of reservation, but the government remains unmoved. How can the government be so insensitive and cruel and just watch Maratha youths commit suicides?” he asked.
The protest march is likely to reach Mumbai on January 25. The protesters will walk for a few hours everyday and also use vehicles.
From January 26, Jarange is scheduled to begin his hunger strike over the quota issue.
(With PTI inputs)