Activist Manoj Jarange, leading an indefinite fast in Maharashtra’s Jalna district for Maratha community reservation, declined a health check-up, possibly affecting his vital organs and health parameters, according to Jalna’s acting civil surgeon, Dr. Pratap Ghodke, as reported by PTI.
The Maratha community has been demonstrating for government job and education reservations under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The agitation intensified as Jarange began his indefinite fast on October 25 at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna, urging villages to bar political leaders’ entry.
Dr. Ghodke expressed concern, stating that despite frequent attempts by district officials and doctors to check on Jarange’s health every few hours, he consistently refuses medical evaluation, risking potential impacts on his vital organs and health metrics, such as kidney and brain functions.
He added that village representatives will request Jarange to accept medical treatment while continuing his hunger strike. Jarange has warned of extending fast-unto-death protests to various Maharashtra villages if the state government doesn’t address the pending demand of the Maratha community.
The Maharashtra government maintains its commitment to providing reservation to the Maratha community in compliance with legal standards.
Also read: Maharashtra: Government to drop Maratha quota protest cases; CM urges to end hunger strike