As activist Manoj Jarange’s indefinite hunger strike over the Maratha quota entered its fifth day on Tuesday, questions loom over whether he will vacate Azad Maidan as directed by authorities.
The Mumbai Police issued a notice to Jarange and his supporters, instructing them to leave the protest site, citing violations of the pre-agitation conditions laid down by the Bombay High Court.
The HC, noting that Mumbai was “literally paralysed” due to the stir, gave protesters until noon on Tuesday to clear the streets and restore normalcy.
“We are giving Jarange and his supporters an opportunity to rectify the situation immediately and ensure the streets are vacated and cleaned up by Tuesday noon,” a bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad said during a special hearing.
The court observed that all pre-agitation conditions had been violated and warned the government to initiate appropriate steps, including restricting more protesters from entering Mumbai. It also noted that protesters had occupied key spots, including CSMT, Churchgate, and Marine Drive.
Jarange, 43, who is demanding OBC status for Marathas, asked his supporters to follow court orders and not inconvenience the public.
“We should not roam on the streets,” he said, even as he accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of delaying a decision. “It is so easy to make a decision. The government has to just say it is implementing Hyderabad, Satara and other gazetteers and declare all Marathas in Marathwada as Kunbis,” he claimed.
Jarange stopped drinking water on Monday afternoon but took a few sips later in the evening after the HC directive. Doctors have been monitoring his health since his hunger strike began on August 29.
The HC made it clear that if Jarange’s condition worsens, the state must provide medical care. “He has said he will go on a fast till death and will not leave Mumbai till his demands are met. He is giving a clear threat. Why is the state government not getting the roads cleared?” the court asked.
The matter will be heard again later today.
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