Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange’s Health Concerns Emerge During Protest Journey to Mumbai
Beed: Manoj Jarange, an activist advocating for a Maratha quota, is currently facing health issues as he travels to Mumbai. A government doctor has reported that Jarange is dehydrated and may be at risk of electrolyte imbalance, which raises concerns about his immediate health needs.
Jarange arrived in Patoda, part of Maharashtra’s Beed district, around 11 a.m., having traveled for nearly 14 hours from Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, where he resumed his protest. He was evaluated by Dr. Satishkumar Solanke, a civil surgeon at the Beed district hospital.
Dr. Solanke stated, “Manoj Jarange requires hospitalization. He is experiencing severe dehydration and cannot continue traveling without proper medical care.” He highlighted that Jarange had not produced any urine since morning and would need intravenous (IV) fluids to address his dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Electrolyte imbalances occur when the body’s levels of crucial minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium are disrupted, leading to symptoms like weakness and muscle spasms. If not treated, these imbalances can lead to severe health issues. Additionally, the doctor noted that Jarange’s blood sugar levels were also low.
Earlier, Jarange expressed worries about his health, mentioning that his ongoing hunger strike, which has now lasted 19 days, combined with the lengthy travel, was affecting him. He reported experiencing significant burning sensations in his stomach and feet.
The Mumbai police previously denied Jarange permission to carry his protest to Azad Maidan in the city, citing concerns about maintaining law and order during the ongoing Ganesh festival. However, this didn’t deter him. On Tuesday, he began his journey to Mumbai in a convoy, drawing support from numerous villagers along the way.
Jarange’s route is set to take him through Beed, Srigonda in Ahilyanagar, Hadapsar in Pune, and Khopoli in Raigad district, covering a distance of over 400 kilometers, before he aims to reach Azad Maidan on September 19.
As he continues his advocacy for the Maratha community’s demand for an OBC quota with Kunbi caste genealogies, both his journey and his health are closely watched by supporters and authorities alike.
