Even as his health deteriorated, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Saturday further intensified his agitation as he asked the community members to fast unto death in all villages across Maharashtra starting Sunday. He also urged the state government, one last time, to take his agitation seriously and provide reservation. In the same breath, he once again appealed to Maratha youths to shun extreme steps like suicides for the sake of reservation, and told them to keep politicians away from the villages. ''I urge the government to take our agitation seriously, provide reservation to Marathas on top priority. I am telling the government one last time… don't take the agitation lightly. don't be complacent. Otherwise, you will find it difficult to handle what comes next,” Jarange Patil said at a press conference in Antarwali Saraati village of Jalna district where he relaunched his fast-unto-death four days ago. Exhorting Maratha youths not to end their lives, Jarange Patil said, “Maratha youths should remember that we are going to win the agitation. So, I urge community members to stop our youths from ending their lives." He added, "Today is October 28. From Sunday, we are launching our second phase of the agitation. This will be the biggest ever fast-unto-death in the country wherein a large number of citizens will be participating. From tomorrow, our community members should hold fast-unto-death at the village level across the state. Everyone should drink water and then start fast-unto-death from tomorrow.” “The agitation can be undertaken by those for whom it is possible. Villagers should sit together in one place for the fast-unto-death. We want to see if this has an effect on the government and whether it takes our agitation seriously. If anything happens to those fasting, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers and the state government will be fully accountable.'' Directing the Marathas to not allow political leaders near them, Jarange Patil said, ''Don't allow political leaders at our doorstep, and you should not go to their doorstep either.'' The activist said the third phase of the agitation will start October 31. "Information about the third phase will be given on October 30,'' he said. Jarange Patil has refused treatment and is turning away doctors appointed by the state government to monitor his health. He said, ''I have no health issues. I am having some problem as I am not drinkng water, but this problem is not bigger than the issue of quota for Marathas. The careers prospects of Maratha youths is being deliberately wrecked. They are being robbed of opportunities that will help them make it big in life.”
