News Brief
Protests demanding Maratha reservations (Representative Image) (Pratik Chorge/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Maratha quota 'activist' Manoj Jarange Patil, accompanied by thousands of community members, has launched a protest march from Maharashtra's Jalna district to Mumbai.
The primary objective of the march is to draw the state government's attention to the longstanding demand for reservation for the Maratha community.
The protest march kicked off from Jarange's native Antarwali Sarati village around 11 am.
As reported by Deccan Herald, before commencing the march, Jarange voiced his frustration with the government's perceived "cruel and insensitive" attitude and its failure to address the Maratha reservation issue adequately.
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Speaking to reporters, Jarange criticised the government for its lack of response despite the Maratha community giving them a seven-month window to address the reservation issue.
Expressing deep concern over the rising suicides among Maratha youths related to the reservation matter, Jarange questioned the government's stand.
He also pledged to consult with the community members on whether to initiate a fast during the march to Mumbai or upon reaching the state capital.
The protest march is expected to reach Mumbai on 25 January, covering a distance of over 400 km from Antarwali Sarati village.