Jalna: Brahmin Activist Announces Hunger Strike Over Community Demands

Brahmin activist Deepak Rannaware declared an indefinite hunger strike on August 29, beginning at Mahatma Gandhi Chaman, to advocate for various community demands. The activist made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday, citing concerns over the Parshuram Arthik Vikas Mahamandal's funding. Established two years ago, the Mahamandal had only seen ₹8-10 crore sanctioned thus far, a figure Rannaware demanded to be increased to ₹1,000 crore.

Rannaware alleged that only eight to ten proposals were sanctioned due to the government's strict conditions. He claimed that despite the Mahamandal's formation, only a few employees were appointed and non-government members were excluded. Rannaware termed the Mahamandal a "showpiece." Other demands include raising the annual income limit under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category from ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh, setting up coaching centers for Brahmin students, and offering free education to Brahmin community boys and girls.

Rannaware also called for legislation to protect Brahmin community members from abuses and caste-based slurs, similar to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Additionally, he demanded a monthly allowance of ₹10,000 for Brahmin priests. At the press conference, Sanjay Deshpande, Arvind Deshpande, and Subhash Mevnakar were present.