Maratha Quota Protest: Parbhani Observes District-Wide Shutdown In Support Of Jarange-Patil’s Indefinite Hunger Strike — VIDEO

In Parbhani district of Maharashtra, a district-wide shutdown was observed on Thursday in solidarity with Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati for the past six days. The strike is being organized by the Sakal Maratha Samaj in support of Patil's demand for action on Maratha reservation and the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community.

Visuals showed shops across the district closed, with normal activities halted in several areas. Patil's health has reportedly deteriorated during the strike, with him reportedly vomiting. Despite his worsening condition, Patil refused to seek a medical examination on Monday, showing his hand as a sign of refusal when medical staff tried to wake him and check his health parameters.

Protesters from Parbhani blocked the Dhule-Solapur National Highway at Wadigodri on Wednesday in support of Patil, disrupting vehicular movement and causing long traffic queues. The protesters held photographs of Patil and raised slogans in his support, staging the sit-in after learning about his deteriorating health.