'My Body Is Giving Out': Manoj Jarange Patil Hints At Cancelling Mumbai March Amid Deteriorating Health

A Maratha reservation activist, Manoj Jarange Patil, warned at a massive gathering near Patoda in Beed district, Maharashtra that his deteriorating health might force him to cancel his march to Mumbai. He had been on an 18-day hunger strike and had entered his 12th day of fasting on September 12. The activist, who has been fighting for the community, stated that his body could barely move after stopping IV fluids.

He addressed the crowd, comprised of thousands of Maratha community members, including women, who had waited through the night. Patil declared that he could not continue his journey if supporters followed him, requesting them to meet at Khopoli instead. He questioned the government's claim of fruit orchards in Western Maharashtra, asserting that OBC communities also own orchards and should not be denied reservations.

The activist also claimed that the government has surrendered to his demands, stating that 58 lakh archival records have been unearthed, granting nearly 2.5 crore community members access to reservation benefits. He alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has countered political maneuvers and is safeguarding the records on pen drives.

The activist accused Fadnavis of plotting against his life. In his message to his family, Patil said he hoped his son would stand up bravely if he sacrificed his life for the community, urging them to maintain their dignity. Despite the challenges, Patil expressed his desire to communicate directly with the police and travel straight to Mumbai, if his health permits.