Mumbai: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil initiated a hunger strike on Saturday, as previously announced in April. Despite authorities denying permission for the fast, Patil remained steadfast in his determination. He threatened to contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections in October if the Maratha reservation issue remains unresolved.

In April, Patil had warned of a hunger strike if the state government failed to address the Maratha reservation matter by June 4. He criticized both the ruling Mahyuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi for their inaction on the issue.

The Maratha community has long protested against the state government regarding reservation. In February, the Maharashtra government passed a Bill during a special assembly session, granting 10% reservation to the Marathas based on a report from the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission.

Patil had previously ended a 17-day hunger strike in February but continued advocating for Maratha reservation under the OBC category. His campaign allegedly received financial backing from political associates, and he faced accusations of making incendiary remarks.

Patil claimed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conspired to poison him with saline. In response, Maharashtra BJP Chief Ashish Shelar dismissed Patil's allegations as baseless and misleading.

In March, the Maharashtra government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of conspiracy and violence during the Maratha agitation. The decision came after BJP MLAs raised concerns in the Assembly about threats against Deputy Chief Minister Fadanvis.

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