Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sep 11 — With signals suggesting that the Maharashtra government delegation may ignore the ongoing agitation, Manoj Jarange Patil—who has brought the issue of certificates back to the centre of discussion by seeking to rectify flaws in the Maratha reservation— is preparing to head to Mumbai along with his supporters.
A meeting of supporters has been called at 12 p.m. on September 12 to decide the further course of action. Jarange Patil stated that permission for the protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan has been sought, expressing confidence that the government will grant it.
Criticising the administration by stating, "Unless you press the nose, the mouth doesn't open," he made it clear that the protesters are now bound for Mumbai.
"If we apply according to the law, it is the government's responsibility to grant permission. The Home Ministry must approve it, and the government should abide by the rules. However, the government considers itself above everyone, above the courts, and is violating the Constitution. Permission will be granted, and the hunger strike will take place at Azad Maidan," Jarange Patil said.
He instructed supporters not to bring vehicles to Antarwali Sarati, advising those coming from distant places to arrive at night and locals to arrive in the morning.
The government representatives noted that out of the 15 demands raised during Jarange Patil's movement, 12 have already been fulfilled upon detailed review, emphasising that the government keeps all doors open for discussion.
Even as the decision to intensify the agitation was being made, Abhijit Dipke of the Cockroach Janata Party met Jarange Patil, requesting him to end his hunger strike considering his deteriorating health, while simultaneously warning the government against laying a hand on him.
Expressing deep concern over Jarange Patil’s deteriorating health, Dipke urged the activist to end his fast, emphasising that Maharashtra desperately needs his presence for the broader social cause.
At the same time, Dipke issued a sharp warning to the state government, demanding immediate dialogue and cautioning authorities against taking any coercive measures against the hunger striker.
"If the government had fulfilled its basic duties by providing quality education and employment opportunities, people like Manoj Jarange would not have been forced to sit on indefinite hunger strikes. This is a clear failure of the administration," Dipke told reporters after meeting Jarange Patil.
Dipke heavily criticised the administration's perceived apathy, contrasting its inaction with its public engagements elsewhere.
"The government seems to have time to meet comedians and social media figures, but nobody has time to come here and talk to a leader who has been fasting for 14 days for the welfare of his community," he remarked.
Invoking recent events involving activist Sonam Wangchuk, Dipke strongly warned against any forceful police removal from the site. "This is Maharashtra. If the government tries to forcibly touch or remove Manoj Jarange Patil, people from every corner of the state will march directly to Antarwali Sarati, and the government will have to face the consequences," Dipke declared.
Meanwhile, support for Jarange Patil's movement continues to grow across various districts of Marathwada even as preparations gain momentum for the proposed protest march to Mumbai's Azad Maidan.
Under the banner of Sakal Maratha Samaj, a two-hour road blockade was staged on the Latur-Barshi route in the Chincholirao Wadi area of Latur taluka, where protesters raised fierce slogans against the government. In Nitur, Nilanga taluka, tyres were burnt to block the Latur-Zaheerabad highway.
As supporters take to the streets, the government has begun releasing summaries detailing the number of certificates issued across different districts.