Maharashtra: OBC activists' health deteriorates; hunger strike over quota enters day seventh

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Doctors said that health of the two OBC quota activists on hunger strike has begun deteriorating as the protest entered its seventh day, as reported by the PTI. The two activists--Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare--staged a hunger strike demanding assurance from the government that the OBC quota would not be affected by the Maratha reservation.

The activists, Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare, took a few sips of water after requests by OBC (Other Backward Classes) members but mentioned that they would continue their protest, as reported by the PTI.

As reported by the agency, Hake and Waghmare have been sitting on their hunger strike since June 13 at Wadigodri village in Jalna district.

Anil Waghmare, a government medical officer, has reported that one of the activists' blood pressure has increased, and their blood sugar levels are low. According to agency reports, doctors emphasised the need that both need to be hospitalised to prevent further health complications.

The OBC activists have been reportedly demanding the scrapping of the Maharashtra government's draft notification that recognizes Kunbis as 'sage soyare' (blood relatives) of Maratha community members. Kunbi, an agrarian group, currently enjoys quota benefits under the OBC category.

Speaking to PTI reporters on Wednesday, Hake said no government representative has visited them, rejecting the allegations made by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange that their protest was sponsored by the government.

"Officials would have shown concern and visited us had our protest been backed by the government," Hake told PTI.

As reported by the PTI, he criticised Jarange for his 'ignorance' regarding the complexities of the reservation system. He asserted, "Jarange does not understand the law and reservation system."

Reportedly, Hake also extended an invitation for an open debate with Jarange's team to discuss the intricacies of the reservation issue.

Meanwhile, OBC members have reportedly called for a bandh at Ambad. On Tuesday, they blocked the Dhule-Solapur national highway for some time over their demands, according to the PTI reports.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde said that the government is not against reservation for anyone, and the demands of two activists agitating for protection of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota will be kept before the government, reported the PTI.

NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, along with his cousin and BJP leader Pankaja Munde, met OBC activists Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare on Monday, who have been sitting on a fast since June 13 at Wadigodri village in Jalna district in Maharashtra, according to the PTI.