Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has issued a rallying call for the public, particularly the underprivileged, to unite at the upcoming Dussehra rally in Narayangad, Beed district, Maharashtra. The event is scheduled for October 12, 2024.
During a press briefing at a local hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where he is receiving treatment following a hunger strike, Jarange emphasized the importance of community solidarity. He confirmed he would address attendees at the rally, which aims to bring together the Maratha community and local farmers, while explicitly stating that the event will remain free of political undertones.
Jarange’s recent hunger strike commenced on September 17, representing his sixth such protest in a year, aimed at securing reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. He called off the strike on September 25, responding to calls from community members who urged him to discontinue the protest.
In February, the Maharashtra legislature enacted a Bill granting 10% reservation for Marathas in education and government jobs under a distinct category. However, Jarange continues to press for their inclusion under the OBC framework.
He declared, “I will attend the Dussehra rally as a devotee, seeking the blessings of my community and encouraging those from Beed, Marathwada, and even those working outside the area to join us in Narayangad.”
Urging state-wide participation, he stated, “Now is the time to demonstrate our unity, without connections to caste or politics. It is essential for the poor and needy to come together at this important moment for the Maratha community and local farmers.”
