Quota activist Manoj Jalanji on Sunday reiterated his decision to continue an indefinite fast, demanding a special session of the Maharashtra Legislature to shift the draft notification regarding consanguinity of Marathas in Kunbi for the law. The activist launched the agitation on Saturday in his hometown Antavalisarathy village in Jalna district. This is the fourth time in less than a year that he has observed a hunger strike demanding inclusion of the Maratha community in the OBC (Other Backward Castes) group.

Jarange (40) had earlier led a massive march to Mumbai, which culminated at the Mumbai border on January 26. He returned to Mumbai after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde showed him a draft notification stating that blood relatives of sage or Maratha people must carry The following items: Records proving that he belongs to Kunbi community will also be considered as Kunbi, a farming community enjoying OBC quota. The government should convene a special session of the state legislature within two days and introduce legislation regarding “saints” (blood relatives). The government must issue (OBC) caste certificates to 5.7 million people who have Kunbi records,” he said on Saturday.

On Sunday, the activist remained steadfast in her decision to continue her fast. He also demanded immediate withdrawal of cases registered against protesters from Maratha communities across the state.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)