Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Entering the 17th day of his hunger strike, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Monday issued a highly emotional appeal to the Maratha community. Having discontinued IV fluids and medical treatment, Jarange Patil stated that his physical condition was rapidly deteriorating, warning that his upcoming journey to Mumbai might be his last encounter with the people of Maharashtra.
“Today is the 17th day of my fast. Removing the IV saline has caused a burning sensation in my stomach again. I will be heading to Mumbai virtually alone, accompanied by just four or five associates.
“I am unable to stand up, so please do not organise welcome ceremonies along the route. If I have the energy, I will speak. While there are no restrictions on coming to meet me, this could likely be our final meeting. Come to the roads to bless me, but do not march to Mumbai just yet. This may be my final goodbye to the Godavari belt and to Maharashtra,” Jarange Patil expressed during his Press conference.
Refusing to bow down, Jarange Patil called upon the community to stand firm. “We cannot let the Maratha community lose. Wherever my body falls, it falls. But Marathas must fight with such pride that future generations hold their heads high, saying that ‘he died but never backed down’. I don’t want to rot and die. I want to die giving rights to my community. We must not let the dignity of the community slip even by an inch,” he declared.
Warning the community to stay vigilant, Jarange Patil targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alleging a political strategy to suppress the Maratha agitation.
“We have to counter Devendra Fadnavis’ moves step for step. Their strategy has been to use the cover of deities to defame the Maratha movement, instigate riots through infiltrators, and then use police force to crush the protest. Marathas do not lack leaders. If not one leader, there will be another. Vote for whoever gives us reservation—your personal preference for a party or leader is useless if they do not secure your children’s future,” he remarked.
He added that the 5.5 crore working-class Marathas could block Mumbai at any moment, contrasting them with political and wealthy elite who make up a small fraction of the population.
Jarange Patil had briefly accepted medical aid following appeals from the government and community members.
However, citing a lack of positive response and unfulfilled demands from the Maharashtra government, he has once again rejected all medical treatment.
“For 7 to 8 days, continuous IV fluids kept my blood sugar, blood pressure, and oxygen levels stable. Since stopping the saline and water yesterday morning, my body is undergoing drastic changes. Burning sensations have restarted in my stomach and legs, and extreme fatigue has set in. I was surviving on saline, but without it, I am completely exhausted,” he explained.
Setting out for Mumbai without formal police permission, Jarange Patil laid down clear instructions for his supporters. He requested the supporters not to offer garlands or shawls, as physical contact increases the risk of infections and spikes in blood pressure. Instead of elaborate stages, he urged the supporters to set up simple roadside points where he can rest during the multi-day journey.
He further stated that the supporters should not spend money on travel to meet him along the route; instead, funds and hired buses must be reserved for the final mass march to Mumbai.
He said that he is travelling alone first in five planned stages to test the authorities. “They denied permission for Azad Maidan expecting a massive crowd. Now that I am going alone, on what grounds will they stop me? If they stop me now, crores of Marathas will march into Mumbai without permission,” he warned.
(IANS)
