Manoj Jarange, a well-known activist who promotes Maratha reservation, has stopped taking intravenous (IV) fluids and drinks, which raises major worries about his health since he is dehydrated. The news was made on Monday as Jarange upped his protest and urged Maharashtra’s political parties to come together in favor of the Maratha community’s quota demand. Pratap Ghodke, the acting civil surgeon for the Jalna district, made the call.
Jarange’s health is fragile; his blood creatinine and bilirubin levels are apparently high, suggesting probable problems with his kidney and liver. The 40-year-old activist has been on an indefinite hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati hamlet in central Maharashtra’s neighboring Jalna district since August 29 in order to seek Maratha community quota in government employment and education under the OBC category, according to PTI.
Ghodke expressed their worry, saying, “Manoj Jarange’s health is a cause of concern for us. Since Sunday, he has stopped ingesting liquids or receiving IV fluids. Two days before, his serum creatinine level was a little on the high side (1.5). His bilirubin level was also elevated. Ghodke further cautioned that Jarange’s dehydration might result in serious health problems.
In an attempt to convince Jarange to get medical care and take prescribed meds, a group of physicians was sent to evaluate him on Monday night. Jarange has previously rejected medical evaluation despite these efforts.
During his demonstration, Manoj Jarange contacted the Marathi news outlet ABP Majha and urged all of Maharashtra’s political parties to support the Maratha community’s demand for quota. “The Maratha community has taken care of all political parties in the last 70 years… now it is their turn to stand with the Maratha community,” he said, highlighting the historical support the community has provided to numerous political parties and urging them to do the same. People in the community will be able to tell which party supports them.
Jarange emphasized his openness to participate in conversation if a formal delegation is prepared to attend discussions when questioned if it would be appropriate to give the state administration additional time to handle the reserve problem. We have given them plenty of time—70 years—he said. But if they’re eager to hear our requests, and if a delegation shows up to have negotiations, we’ll definitely listen to them,” the group said, stressing its willingness to negotiate a solution.
