Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Thursday said the Maharashtra government would be responsible if he suffers health complications during his indefinite hunger strike, which he declared would begin directly under the scorching summer sun on May 30.
Jarange had said earlier that he would begin a fast over the community's "unfulfilled" demands, and given the Maharashtra government a deadline of May 29 to distribute Kunbi caste certificates in Marathwada.
"I have already given enough time for discussions. Now the time has come to take a tougher stand. If I die due to heatstroke, the chief minister and the government will be responsible," Jarange said.
He further declared that his agitation at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district would be "unlike" any protest seen in the country.
"This time, I will not sit under a shelter. There will be no tent, no shade. I will give up water, food, and even footwear during the protest. Either the government will act, or I will perish," he said.
Jarange also appealed to members of the Maratha community not to gather at his protest venue, about 400 km from Mumbai. "Do not come here. I will sit alone in the blazing heat of May," he said.
The Maratha leader alleged that despite repeated peaceful protests, rallies, and negotiations, no concrete steps had been taken regarding reservation for the Maratha community.
A few days ago, BJP Member of Legislative Council Prasad Lad had met him for discussions. However, according to Jarange, no progress was made afterwards.
The activist has accused the government of filing false cases against Maratha youths and questioned the "delay" in providing jobs to families of those who "sacrificed" their lives during the agitation.
"Maratha votes are needed during elections, but reservation is still denied. The government claims to have issued three lakh Kunbi certificates. Is that some favour?" he asked.
Jarange also questioned the criteria being cited against reservation demands.
"You say western Maharashtra has prosperous orchards and wealthy farmers. OBC (Other Backward Class) communities also have orchards and prosperity. Is wealth or horticulture a criterion for reservation?" he said.
Calling his upcoming protest a "decisive" battle, Jarange said, "We explained everything peacefully, took out rallies, and still reservation has not been granted. The children of the Maratha community deserve to become officers and secure their future."
Jarange has been demanding that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, which will make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education.
