Abhijit Dipke Meets Manoj Jarange Patil, Backs Maratha Quota Agitation (Video)
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijit Dipke met Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Friday as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 14th consecutive day at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district.
Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), met Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Friday and extended support to his ongoing agitation, as Jarange's indefinite hunger strike entered its 14th day in Maharashtra's Jalna district. Dipke urged the Maharashtra government to hold talks with Jarange and address his demands, warning against any attempt to forcibly remove the activist from the protest site, Hindustan Times reported.
Jarange's Hunger Strike Enters 14th Day
Manoj Jarange Patil has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 29 at Antarwali Sarati, pressing for the fulfilment of 15 demands related to Maratha reservation. Manoj Jarange’s Health Worsens on Day 9 of Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota.
Abhijit Dipke Meets Manoj Jarange Patil
Jarange has also announced plans to march to Mumbai to intensify pressure on the government. He is scheduled to meet representatives of the Maratha community to decide the date for the proposed march.
Dipke Urges Government to Hold Talks
After meeting Jarange, Dipke criticised the state government, alleging that it had not adequately engaged with the activist despite his prolonged hunger strike. He said Jarange was fighting for better education and employment opportunities for the Maratha community and urged the government to listen to his demands. Dipke also appealed to Jarange to take care of his health and withdraw his hunger strike, saying Maharashtra needed his leadership. CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Named in Zero FIR Filed Under POCSO Act Over Juvenile Participation at Jantar Mantar Protest.
Warning Against Forcible Removal
Dipke warned the government against taking any forcible action to remove Jarange from the protest site. He said such a move could trigger a strong reaction from supporters across Maharashtra. He challenged the government to engage in direct dialogue with Jarange and work towards resolving the Maratha quota issue.
Government Says Most Demands Have Been Addressed
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the government has fulfilled most of Jarange's demands that would benefit the Maratha community.
Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, has said the government has taken several measures, including facilitating Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas. According to him, more than 3.5 lakh Maratha youths have benefited from the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes quota, while a similar number have obtained Kunbi certificates.
The Maratha quota agitation continues to remain a major political and social issue in Maharashtra, with Jarange's hunger strike and the proposed Mumbai march expected to keep pressure on the state government in the coming days.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2026 03:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).