Activist Manoj Jarange, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai demanding Maratha reservation, has issued a stark ultimatum to the Maharashtra government. “The decision is in hands of government either to shoot me or give reservation. We will continue our agitation till the time our demands are fully accepted. If Marathas get reservation, they will all support government,” he said on Monday.
Jarange, demanding that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis — an agrarian caste under the OBC category — said delaying the decision would only intensify protests. “If you delay the decision, more Marathas will come to Mumbai to join the protest,” he warned.
Criticising the authorities, he alleged attempts to divert attention. “The government is playing games by shutting down shops and restaurants in the CSMT area,” Jarange said.
The activist also accused the government of misleading people. “Rather than spreading misinformation, the government should speak the truth about the Maratha reservation issue to the people of Maharashtra. The government should come forward and hold talks with us—we are not going to initiate any discussions,” he said.
He stressed that the demand does not seek to take away the rights of the OBC community. “We have never said that Maratha reservation should come at the cost of OBCs. This is our final fight. Either we will get the reservation, or I will sacrifice my life sitting here on hunger strike,” Jarange asserted.
The activist also rejected any suggestion of slowing down. “We can’t lower the momentum. The Maratha community understands that I am fighting for the rights of the next generation, and that’s why they are all standing with me,” he said, adding: “We’ve heard enough speeches and lectures—this is the final showdown. The government must act now.”
Taking aim at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Jarange asked, “Fadnavis should tell the people what his real achievements are. Did his government manage to provide reservation to the Maratha or Dhangar community?”
