Mumbai/Jalna, Sep 8 (IANS) As Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike entered its eleventh day, Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Tuesday clarified that no government delegation will be sent to meet him, stating that the administration has already executed all available measures to address the issue.

While Jarange Patil resumed medical treatment following a midnight phone conversation with minister Uday Samant and BJP legislator Prasad Lad, he remains steadfast in his core demands regarding the implementation of the reservation.

Commenting on Jarange Patil’s stance, Minister Vikhe Patil, who is the chairman of the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, stated that the activist is entitled to his position, but reiterated that the government has fulfilled its commitments toward the broader welfare of the Maratha community.

“If Jarange Patil remains firm, that is his decision. The government has taken all necessary actions required on its part, yet he remains dissatisfied. We are continuing our efforts to resolve any remaining concerns, and implementation of our decisions is already underway. At this point, I have no additional options left to offer that would satisfy him,” Minister Vikhe Patil said.

Addressing criticism directed at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Vikhe Patil highlighted state’s progress in identifying historical records. He noted that 58 lakh Kunbi records have been displayed at the Gram Panchayat level. Out of 520 applications, 240 were specifically for obtaining certificates, with issuance proceeding as genealogy details are verified.

He asserted that decisions made under the current leadership over the past few years represent unprecedented progress for the community.

The minister also launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that the reservation was lost during Thackeray’s tenure as Chief Minister. He urged Jarange Patil to acknowledge the state’s efforts rather than issuing ultimatums, emphasizing that the government has consistently taken steps forward.

Confirming that no further official visits are scheduled, Minister Vikhe Patil remarked that the government expects a constructive response from Jarange Patil. He noted that Justice (Retd) Shinde is currently in Sambhajinagar overseeing the verification of historical records, and expressed hope that the activist will now help chart a way forward.

Earlier, on the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike, Jarange Patil launched a sharp attack against Minister Vikhe Patil, accusing him of causing the “greatest harm” to the Maratha community. Jarange Patil’s health has deteriorated significantly after he stopped consuming water and refused medical treatment. Despite experiencing noticeable shortness of breath while interacting with the media, the activist did not hold back in his criticism of the committee chief and the state leadership.

Jarange Patil alleged that Minister Vikhe Patil wasted an entire year through sweet talk and false promises, ultimately harming the community’s interests. He claimed Vikhe Patil acted to fulfill Devendra Fadnavis’s political agenda rather than delivering actual results for the Marathas. He highlighted that despite assurances to provide the Satara Sansthan gazetteer within a month, a full year has passed without action.

He further questioned which Hyderabad gazette was actually used to issue certificates, calling all claims empty promises.

Striking out at political figures including Ministers Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Sanjay Shirsat, Jarange Patil labelled them as failures regarding Maratha rights. He issued a direct warning to Minister Vikhe Patil, barring him from entering Antarwali Sarati and stating that accountability for the community’s loss rests squarely on his shoulders.

–IANS

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