Manoj Jarange Protest: Abhijeet Dipke Meets Maratha Activist, Warns Government Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna since August 29, demanding action on various issues related to Maratha reservation. On the 14th day of his protest, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke met Jarange and enquired about his health. After the meeting, Dipke urged the Maharashtra government to engage with Jarange and discuss his demands. He also warned the government against taking any action that could affect the ongoing protest. Dipke said the government should not repeat what he described as the action taken against activist Sonam Wangchuk during his hunger strike in Delhi. “This is Maharashtra, this will not work here at all. If you touch Manoj Jarange, the whole of Maharashtra will come here,” Dipke said. Questioning the government's response to Jarange's prolonged hunger strike, Dipke said authorities should understand why the activist is demanding reservation. He argued that better access to education and employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, could address some of the concerns that have led to the protest.

According to Dipke, the government has failed to adequately address issues related to education and employment in rural Maharashtra. He questioned the quality of government schools and availability of employment opportunities in rural districts. Dipke also criticised elected representatives for allegedly failing to engage directly with people protesting over public issues. He said the government should come to Antarwali Sarati, listen to Jarange's demands and hold discussions with him. “Manoj Jarange is fighting for his society and has every right to raise these demands. The government should come here and listen to them because people elected you to work for them,” Dipke said.

The Maratha reservation issue remains a politically sensitive matter in Maharashtra, with Jarange continuing to demand action from the state government. The government’s response to his ongoing hunger strike and the next course of action remain closely watched.