'With 12 Demands Accepted, Why Insist On Marching To Mumbai?': Shiv Sangram President Jyoti Mete Questions Manoj Jarange Patil Over Maratha Reservation

Mumbai - Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, endorsed Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Thursday at Antarwali Sarati. Dipke extended his support to Jarange and inquired about his health, as the activist had been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 29, with his fast approaching its 14th day.

Dipke urged the Maharashtra government to hold talks with the activist and cautioned against coercive measures against him. He criticized the government for its apparent lack of response to Jarange's hunger strike and questioned whether they would allow a social activist like Jarange to suffer without addressing his demands. Dipke pointed out that Jarange's agitation was not solely about reservation but also connected to issues of education and employment.

He alleged that the government had promised better educational facilities and employment opportunities in rural areas but had failed to deliver on these promises. Dipke challenged the authorities to identify a single district where government schools in rural areas perform exceptionally well and provide ample employment opportunities.

He also referenced the recent suicide of Prathamesh Deshmukh, linked to a debt of Rs 2.5 lakh, and emphasized that Jarange was fighting for young people like Deshmukh to secure employment, concessions, and better opportunities. Dipke appealed to the government to visit Antarwali Sarati, listen to Jarange's demands, and commence dialogue.