Manoj Jarange-Patil, leader of the Shiva Sanghatana, was transported in an ambulance from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) to Jalna to cast his vote on Election Day, Friday.
Jarange-Patil, known for his fervent advocacy for Maratha quotas, particularly through his serial hunger strikes and agitation starting from August 29, 2023, is set to exercise his franchise later this afternoon in his native Antarawali-Sarati village.
Accompanied by a medical team, Jarange-Patil lay on a stretcher in a fully equipped ambulance provided by Galaxy Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, ensuring a safe 60 km journey to Jalna, according to an aide.
"After casting his vote, Jarange-Patil is scheduled to return to the hospital where he was admitted on Wednesday after feeling unwell during a tour in Dharashiv (Osmanabad)," the aide from Satara stated.
Despite his frail appearance, Jarange-Patil remained resolute in his stance, reiterating his refusal to endorse specific Lok Sabha candidates from any political party to the Maratha community.
"I will only urge you to vote wisely for those who will advocate for your interests, rather than those opposing Marathas' reservation from the OBC category," Jarange-Patil emphasized.
Jarange-Patil's visit to the polling station in Antarawali-Sarati village is significant, with the site still bearing witness to the Maratha quota stir he initiated with the first 'fast unto death' agitation in August 2023.
His activism included four subsequent hunger strikes, protest marches, record-setting public rallies, and massive Maratha processions that culminated in reaching Mumbai's doorstep in January, causing ripples within the Mahayuti government.
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