Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil declared that the Maharashtra state government had agreed to the demands of Maratha demonstrators on reservations.
Jarange proclaimed the conclusion of the protest, thanking Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and stating that they will break their fast by drinking juice in his presence. The activists, who had planned a march in Mumbai today, are now celebrating what they call a "significant success."
Patil stated that they will not depart for Mumbai until the government issues the official GR (Government Resolution) on Saturday morning. He applauded Chief Minister Shinde's efforts.CM Shinde is due to meet with Jarange Patil today, which could mark the end of the Maratha community's latest wave of demonstrations for reservations.
This phase began in August, when Jarange Patil went on hunger strike to demand full reservations for the Maratha people. Following September's deadly riots, Patil and the state government held talks.The Maharashtra government promised to reviewing the Kunbi Marathas' documents, which were compiled during the Nizam rule. Jarange Patil insisted that the 54 lakh Kunbi Marathas, whose records the government has, be placed in the same OBC category as their kin. Kunbi Marathas received OBC classification in 2004. He warned that if the Marathas did not receive certificates by January 20, they would march to Mumbai.
The administration claimed that machinery was working on the task, but finishing the mammoth undertaking by January 20 was not possible. Consequently, Jarange Patil began his march on January 20 with thousands of followers at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, intending to protest on Republic Day.The activists camped in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, last night and called off the demonstration after the state administration agreed to their demands.
