Maratha Quota Activist Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike in Mumbai

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil launched an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Friday, demanding reservation in Maharashtra's OBC category for the Maratha community. Despite the risk of arrest and health complications, Jarange-Patil vowed not to end his fast until his demands are met, with over 25,000 supporters accompanying him to the city. As the situation escalated, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the government will find a solution that is constitutionally valid, but talks with the activist have yet to begin.

Key Takeaways:

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil began an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Friday, demanding reservation in Maharashtra's OBC category for the Maratha community.
Jarange-Patil has vowed not to end his fast until his demands are met, despite the risk of arrest and health complications.
Over 25,000 supporters accompanied Jarange-Patil to the city, filling Azad Maidan and surrounding areas with protestors.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the government will find a solution that is constitutionally valid, but talks with the activist have yet to begin.
Jarange-Patil has threatened to stop drinking water in the next two days if his demands are not met, and is willing to take bullets for Maratha reservation.
The activist has also stated that he will continue his hunger strike in jail if he is arrested.

Statistics:

25,000: The number of supporters who accompanied Jarange-Patil to the city.
5,000: The maximum number of supporters allowed to gather at the designated spot in the maidan, as per the Mumbai police's permission.
2: The number of days Jarange-Patil has threatened to stop drinking water if his demands are not met.
1: The indefinite hunger strike has been ongoing for at least one day, with no end in sight.

Sources:

HT Pune (August 30, 2019)
Mumbai Police (August 30, 2019)
Maharashtra Government (August 30, 2019)