Patoda, September 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has indicated that he may halt his march towards Mumbai if his physical condition worsens, saying the strain of travelling with a large convoy of supporters is taking a serious toll on his health.
Jarange Patil, who is on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike, addressed thousands of supporters at Patoda in Maharashtra’s Beed district around 2 a.m. on Wednesday. He urged supporters not to follow his vehicle in large numbers, warning that he could either resume his sit-in at Patoda or return to Antarwali Sarati if the convoy continued.
He told the gathering that he was physically exhausted and could barely move his limbs after stopping intravenous fluids on September 12. “Fighting for the children of my community has taken a toll on my body, but I have taken on the government for you,” he said, while reiterating his commitment to the Maratha reservation demand.
Jarange Patil claimed that 58 lakh historical records related to the Maratha-Kunbi documentation had been identified and said the movement was now focused on securing the government gazette. He claimed the records could potentially benefit around 2.5 crore members of the community. Independent reporting has also confirmed that the government-appointed committee has identified 58 lakh historical records.
He also accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of plotting against his life. The allegation has been made previously by Jarange Patil and remains his claim.
Jarange Patil questioned the government’s argument concerning fruit-orchard owners in Western Maharashtra, asking why OBC communities owning orchards should be treated differently in the reservation debate.
He appealed to supporters to meet him directly at Khopoli rather than follow his convoy from Patoda. He said he would prefer to travel to Mumbai with a limited entourage and communicate directly with police, subject to his health.
Jarange Patil had begun his Mumbai march on September 15 despite police denying permission for his proposed indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan.
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