Antarwali Sarati (Jalna), Sep 12 (IANS): Entering the 15th day of his hunger strike, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Saturday announced a march to Mumbai to launch an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan.
Addressing a gathering at Antarwali Sarati, Jarange Patil gave the detailed route for the march and urged the police administration and Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis not to stop them.
Jarange Patil stated that the march represents the pride and existence of the Maratha community. He appealed to supporters along the route to step out and offer their blessings, even if they are unable to travel all the way to Mumbai. He also called on community members to halt work and join the movement on the specified dates.
According to Jarange Patil, the march will proceed along the Antarwali – Shahagad – Gevrai – Beed – Manjarsumbha – Limba Ganesh – Patoda route towards Mumbai.
Due to the massive convoy of vehicles moving at low speeds, the journey will be completed in stages. The first halt will be at Patoda (Beed district), second halt at Shrigonda (Ahilyanagar district), third halt at Hadapsar (Pune district) and fourth halt at Khopoli (Raigad district) / Koparkhairane (Navi Mumbai) (Khopoli currently finalised). The final destination will be Azad Maidan, Mumbai.
Addressing requests from various regions, Jarange Patil explained that the route via Hadapsar was selected to include supporters from Pune and Western Maharashtra who felt left out during previous marches. He reiterated his appeal to state authorities, urging Devendra Fadnavis and the police not to erect barricades or obstruct the peaceful rally.
“We want to conduct a peaceful, democratic hunger strike to claim our rights. If the police block us anywhere along the highway, we will not push barricades or clash with authorities. We will simply sit down peacefully on the road wherever we are stopped,” Jarange Patil stated.
He further instructed all participants in the convoy to maintain strict discipline, avoid overtaking, ensure no member of the public is harmed, and stay on the designated route.
Reflecting on his health on day 15 of the strike, Jarange Patil noted that he was able to speak only due to IV fluids. Calling this the “final battle” for the community’s cause, he put the decision to the crowd, asking whether they should stay in Antarwali or march to Mumbai.
The crowd responded with overwhelming chants of “Mumbai, Mumbai!”
“Our goal is to reach Mumbai peacefully and return victorious,” Jarange Patil declared, finalising the march to the state capital.
