Manoj Jarange says Marathas will march to Mumbai with or without govt permission

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its 14th day on Friday, said he and his supporters would march to Mumbai whether or not the Maharashtra government grants permission for the protest.

Addressing reporters at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, Jarange said a meeting of Maratha community members from across the state would be held in the village on Saturday to decide the date, route and strategy for the proposed march.

“We will go to Mumbai whether the government gives us permission or not. Unless we put pressure on the government, it will not open its mouth,” Jarange said.

He appealed to Marathas who could travel to Antarwali Sarati to attend Saturday's meeting in large numbers. Those unable to travel because of agricultural work or financial and other difficulties should remain in their villages and help arrange vehicles for those planning to join the Mumbai march, he said.

Jarange also warned that if protesters were harassed by the government or police during the march, Marathas should block roads and hold protests in their villages. He said the proposed agitation would be much larger than last year's protest in Mumbai, which had brought parts of the city to a standstill.

The Bombay High Court earlier on Friday declined to pass any urgent order restraining Jarange's planned protest in Mumbai. A bench of Chief Justice M C Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna said every person has the right to protest and that a prohibitory order could not be issued merely on the apprehension of a law-and-order problem.

The court directed the Maharashtra government to ensure that Jarange receives medical assistance if required. Advocate General Milind Sathe told the court that the government had not received any application from Jarange seeking permission for a protest in Mumbai.

Jarange reiterated his demand for a Government Resolution recognising Maratha-Kunbis and allowing them to claim reservation available to the Kunbi community under the Other Backward Classes quota.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke also met Jarange and appealed to the Maharashtra government to engage in dialogue with him. Dipke warned against any attempt to forcibly intervene in the agitation.

Meanwhile, Jarange received four intravenous fluid treatments between Thursday and Friday morning after complaining of severe headache and nausea. His condition subsequently improved, officials said.

Jalna District Collector Ashima Mittal said a team of doctors was continuously monitoring his health.