Maratha activist Jarange continues hunger strike en route to Mumbai

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's hunger strike entered its 19th day on September 16 as he traveled from Jalna to Mumbai, despite doctors warning his condition was critical and police denying permission for his planned protest. Jarange, who began his indefinite fast demanding reservation for Marathas under the OBC quota, reached Patoda in Beed district after a 14-hour journey from Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna. Medical officials said Jarange's health had deteriorated significantly. Dr. Satishkumar Solanke, the Beed District Civil Surgeon, reported that the activist had severely low blood pressure and blood sugar, acute dehydration, and no urine output since the morning. "Hospitalisation in an ICU is urgently required," Dr. Solanke stated, warning that a further drop in fluid levels posed a grave risk. Jarange himself told reporters he was experiencing a severe burning sensation in his stomach and feet. Despite his condition, Jarange affirmed his resolve to reach Azad Maidan in Mumbai.