Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced on Thursday that he and his supporters are gearing up for a significant journey to Mumbai, passing through key locations such as Ahmednagar, Pune, and Panvel in Raigad district. Jarange, known for his previous indefinite fasts in August-September and October-November, had initially set a deadline of December 24 for the Maharashtra government to address the community's quota demands. Following this, he declared plans to lead an "indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan" in south Mumbai, as reported by PTI.
Providing details of the upcoming march, Jarange stated that it would commence on January 20 from Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, passing through various villages like Padalshingi and Madalmoi before entering Nagpur from Matori. The route includes key locations such as Pathardi, Karanji Ghat, Nagar, Supa in Pune district, and further moves towards Mumbai through Wagholi, Kharadi, Chandannagar, Lonavala, Khandala, and Panvel.
During a press conference, Jarange emphasized the importance of preparedness for the march, urging vehicles accompanying each unit of marchers to be equipped with necessities such as food and shelter. He highlighted the need for two volunteers from each vehicle to cater to the needs of the marching team. Stressing the significance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, Jarange warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the march's harmony should be handed over to the police.
In a call to the residents of Mumbai, Jarange appealed for widespread participation in the quota agitation and urged locals to support those joining from outside.
