The indefinite hunger strike by Manoj Jarange Patil in support of reservation for the Maratha community was withdrawn on the 17th day on Thursday. Jarange Patil ended the hunger strike by accepting fruit juice at the hands of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district.
Shinde convinced Jarange to withdraw from the hunger strike and get treatment in a hospital. Shinde said that the Government is determined to grant reservations to the Maratha community. Some elements are trying to create a communal rift, he said. The government is making all efforts to grant reservation to Marathas, which would be permanent in nature. The remaining communities should try to understand the issue properly.
The cane charge on Marathas was a blot for which Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has apologized. Action against those responsible for the cane charge has been initiated.
Manoj Jarange is fighting for the community and not for his own benefit. He congratulated Jarange, who withdrew from the hunger strike with a condition that the government take a concrete decision within one month. He thanked Shinde on behalf of the Maratha community. Manoj’s father was also present on the occasion.