Pune: Maratha Community Suspends 25-Day Chain Hunger Strike in Pimpri, Plans Mumbai Protest for Reservation Demand
Pimpri, 1st January 2024: The Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj Pimpri-Chinchwad have decided to halt their 25-day-long chain hunger strike, demanding reservation for the Maratha community. The hunger strike took place at Pimpri Chowk (Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk) and is part of a larger agitation that has been ongoing for the past four months across Maharashtra.
Various forms of protests and agitations have unfolded in Maharashtra over the past four months, all seeking reservation for the Maratha community. The Maharashtra Government had committed to addressing this demand by December 24, 2023. However, as of now, the promise remains unfulfilled, leading to the initiation of hunger strikes and protests.
The Maratha Kranti Morcha and the entire Maratha community participating in the chain hunger strike at Pimpri Chowk have decided to call off the fast. Prominent figures such as Vaibhav Jadhav, Meera Kadam, Santosh Shinde, Raosaheb Gangadhare, Lahu Landge, Dilip Gawde, and Vasantrao Patil withdrew their participation. Prakash Jadhav and Maruti Bhapkar were present during the suspension of the hunger strike.
In the absence of direct reservation for the Maratha community from the OBC category by January 20, a protest is scheduled to be held in Mumbai under the leadership of Manoj Jarange-Patil. Thousands of activists from Pimpri-Chinchwad are expected to join the protest in Mumbai. Meetings will be conducted at various locations in the city to organize and prepare for the upcoming agitation. The decision to suspend the chain hunger strike was made to strategize the movement.
A spokesperson for the Maratha Kranti Morcha stated that the suspension of the chain hunger strike is a temporary measure aimed at planning and coordinating future actions. The community remains committed to their demand for reservation and will continue to press for their rights.
