**Jalna: Shivba Sanghatana Leader Suspends Hunger Strike, Urges Boycott of Assembly Election Rallies**
After nine days of an indefinite hunger strike, Shivba Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil suspended his protest on Wednesday, responding to heartfelt appeals from hundreds of women supporters. A visibly weak and famished Jarange-Patil accepted a glass of water from a family member and halted his agitation, explaining that it had become difficult to continue, especially after being administered saline since the previous night.
The suspension of the hunger strike was met with joyous cheers and applause from thousands of his supporters, including a significant number of women, gathered at the marquee erected in Jarange-Patil’s native village, Antarvali-Sarati. Many supporters expressed tears of relief as the leader ended his protest.
Following the announcement, Jarange-Patil was lifted onto a chair by two aides. Family members—parents, wife, kids, and other relatives—gathered anxiously around him to check on his health amid slogans chanting “One Maratha, One Lakh Maratha” in the background.
In a brief speech, Jarange-Patil emphasized that the fight for Maratha reservation had not ended and vowed to continue the struggle until success is achieved. He expressed satisfaction that the community is now fully united in the cause.
Taking an aggressive stance, he declared:
“I will not spare anybody who has brought obstacles in our struggle. All of you should keep away from the election rallies for the upcoming Assembly elections, regardless of whether political leaders provide the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme money or not. You all go home and sleep peacefully. Always remain united and don’t come under any political pressures. Do what happened in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Don’t be scared of any political leaders now.”
Jarange-Patil urged his supporters not to travel to Jalna, since the agitation is suspended for the time being. He also issued a stern warning to the ruling MahaYuti government against injustice concerning quota rights. He stated that while the Marathas and OBCs stand together, any attempt by the government to deprive them of their rightful claims would be met with a strong response in the upcoming Maharashtra elections.
An aide confirmed that following nine days of abstaining from food and water since September 17, Jarange-Patil is expected to be admitted to a hospital for treatment and to regain his strength.
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*Stay tuned for further updates on the Maratha reservation movement and related political developments.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-maratha-quota-activist-jarange-patil-suspends-hunger-strike-on-9th-day-urges-boycott-of-political-rallies