Manoj Jarange's health deteriorates as hunger strike continues during Mumbai march

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who is travelling towards Mumbai after beginning a fresh round of agitation, is dehydrated and could develop an electrolyte imbalance, a government doctor said on Wednesday, stressing the need for hospitalisation.

Jarange reached Patoda in Maharashtra's Beed district around 11 am, nearly 14 hours after leaving Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, where he launched his latest agitation. He was examined by doctors at the Beed district hospital.

Civil Surgeon Dr Satishkumar Solanke said Jarange was close to severe dehydration and could not continue travelling merely on the basis of intravenous fluid administration.

Doctor warns of electrolyte imbalance

"Manoj Jarange needs hospitalisation. He is close to severe dehydration. He cannot travel merely based on IV fluid administration," Solanke said.

He said Jarange would be put on intravenous drips as there had been no urine output since morning. Solanke also said Jarange's blood sugar was on the lower side.

"The situation can cause electrolyte imbalance. I have requested him. There is a need to recover the loss of electrolytes first. After that, we will suggest him to get hospitalised," the health official said.

An electrolyte imbalance occurs when levels of essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium in the blood become too high or too low. Symptoms can include weakness and muscle spasms, while untreated cases can lead to serious health complications.

Earlier on Wednesday, Jarange himself expressed concern over his health, saying his journey to Mumbai could be cancelled as his hunger strike, which entered its 19th day, along with the long hours of travel, had taken a toll on him. He said he was experiencing a severe burning sensation in his stomach and feet.

Jarange presses ahead despite police denial

Jarange has continued his journey despite Mumbai Police denying permission for his proposed indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan from September 19. Police cited security, crowd-management and public-safety concerns linked to the ongoing Ganesh festival.

Despite the denial, Jarange set out from Antarwali Sarati on Tuesday in a convoy of cars, with hundreds of villagers joining or extending support along the route. Thousands of Maratha community members from parts of Marathwada have also been reported to have joined his march.

Jarange has maintained that he intends to proceed with the protest peacefully. He had announced plans to reach Mumbai and launch an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, although the police have not granted permission for the proposed protest.

Route covers more than 400 km

The carcade is scheduled to pass through Beed, Srigonda in Ahilyanagar, Hadapsar in Pune and Khopoli in Raigad before reaching Azad Maidan in Mumbai on September 19, covering more than 400 km.

Jarange's agitation centres on his demand that members of the Maratha community with Kunbi caste genealogies be granted OBC quota benefits.

His latest Mumbai programme comes amid the Ganesh festival, which is being observed from September 14 to 25. The timing has prompted authorities to raise concerns over security and crowd management in Mumbai.

Jarange had announced the Mumbai march after continuing his hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati. His planned route included halts at Patoda, Srigonda, Hadapsar and Khopoli before his proposed arrival in Mumbai.