On indefinite fast, Maratha quota activist Jarange's health worries doctors

Doctors on Monday voiced concern over the health of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who has refused medical attention while on an indefinite fast at Jalna in Maharashtra seeking reservation for the Maratha community.

Jarange’s refusal could have an impact on his vital organs and parameters, Jalna’s acting civil surgeon Dr Pratap Ghodke told PTI even as he has been receiving support across Marathwada region.

Dr Ghodke said, “District officials and doctors are approaching Jarange every two-three hours. But he has been refused a health check-up and treatment. This might lead to an impact on his vital organs like kidneys and brain. The sugar level may get low and can hamper his electrolytes level.”

“We have approached his family doctor as well as other doctors… Today, the villagers are going to request Jarange to take medical treatment and continue his hunger strike,” he added.

Members of the Maratha community are staging protests demanding reservation in government jobs and education under the OBC category.

The protests intensified after Jarange sat on an indefinite hunger strike from October 25 in Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district. On his plea, many villages have banned the entry of political leaders.

Pawar backs stir

Jarange has announced that fast-unto-death protests will begin in villages across Maharashtra if the state government failed to act on the demand of the Maratha community.

The Maharashtra government says it is committed to granting reservation to the Marathas but such a move should stand legal scrutiny.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has blamed inaction by the Maharashtra and Central governments for the Maratha unrest. He told the media in Mumbai that Jarange’s demands should be accepted without hurting the interests of other communities.

In Yavatmal, Shiv Sena MP Hemant Patil has pledged to quit the Lok Sabha in solidarity with the Maratha community. Patil, who is with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said: “The situation of the community has deteriorated economically and educationally. So, Marathas should get reservation (in government jobs and education).”

In Latur city, nine women climbed a 70-feet overhead water tank in the Gandhi Chowk area on Sunday in support of the Maratha reservation campaign. They refused to come down despite appeals from the police and district officials.

(With agency inputs)