Manoj Jarange Ends Hunger Strike Over Maratha Reservation
Listen to the story
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has ended his 20-day hunger strike in Maharashtra. He had been fasting to demand reservation for the Maratha community in jobs and education.
Jarange's decision came after a secret, 3.5-hour negotiation. Reports say a video call from Paris was also part of the discussions before he broke his fast.
After ending the strike, Jarange gave the Maharashtra government a deadline of three months. He said the state must take action on the reservation demand within this time.
The Maratha community has long pushed for a share of quotas already given to other groups in the state. Their protests have often included long hunger strikes led by Jarange, who has become a key figurehead of the movement.
Details of exactly who took part in the secret talks, or what was promised, have not been fully revealed. However, sources suggest that behind-the-scenes talks played an important role in the outcome.
This is not the first time Jarange has used a hunger strike to pressure authorities. His earlier protests have drawn national attention and forced government officials to respond quickly in the past.
The Maharashtra government will now face pressure to deliver on the reservation issue before the three-month deadline ends. Many will be watching closely to see whether promises made during the talks are kept.
The Maratha reservation issue remains a sensitive political topic in the state, touching on questions of caste, jobs, and fairness in access to education and government positions.
Vocabulary10 words
- hunger strike
- not eating food to protest something
- reservation
- special jobs or school places kept for a group
- negotiation
- talking to reach an agreement
- deadline
- the last date to finish something
- figurehead
- a well-known leader of a group
- protests
- actions showing strong disagreement
- education
- school and learning
- quota
- a fixed share given to a group
- sensitive
- needing careful, gentle handling
- authorities
- people in charge, like government officials
Quiz
Answer key
1. To demand reservation for the Maratha community 2. A 3.5-hour secret negotiation 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has ended his 20-day _____ in Maharashtra.
He had been fasting to demand _____ for the Maratha community in jobs and education.
Jarange's decision came after a secret, _____-hour negotiation.
Reports say a video call from _____ was also part of the discussions.
After ending the strike, Jarange gave the Maharashtra government a deadline of _____ months.
The Maratha community has long pushed for a share of _____ already given to other groups.
Jarange has become a key _____ of the movement.
This is not the first time Jarange has used a hunger strike to _____ authorities.
The Maratha reservation issue remains a _____ political topic in the state.
Many will be watching closely to see whether promises made during the talks are _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think hunger strikes are used as a form of protest?
- What challenges might governments face when responding to reservation demands?
- How could secret negotiations affect public trust in political decisions?
- Do you think a three-month deadline is enough time to solve such issues? Why or why not?