Jarange and a few supporters left Antarwali Sarati around noon after offering obeisance at a Hanuman temple
Speaking to newsmen before leaving, Jarange accused the politicians especially the government of “cheating” the Maratha community and appealed to members of the community to remain united and maintain peace. “I will not surrender before the government,” he said, asserting that his fight was for the welfare of children of the Maratha community. Sources said the possibility of the Mumbai police granting permission remained slim, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing Ganeshotsav. Jarange has said he would approach the Bombay High Court if permission was not granted by Tuesday afternoon. Supporters accompanying Jarange demanded that the Mumbai police allow his hunger strike and said permission should not be denied citing the festival.
The Mumbai Police in the past four days, have twice rejected applications seeking permission for Jarange’s proposed agitation in Azad Maidan, Mumbai. Jarange has stopped taking medical treatment and saline after the police rejected his application. His supporters have expressed concern over his deteriorating health as he continues the fast without treatment. With Jarange now on the road to Mumbai via Beed, Ahilyanagar, Pune and the police yet to decide on his latest application, now all eyes on the govt’s next move.
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday, the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike left village Antarwali Sarati of Jalna district for Mumbai, despite the Mumbai Police yet to decide on his third application seeking permission to stage a hunger strike at Azad Maidan.