The Maratha reservation movement in Maharashtra entered a new phase on Saturday after activist Manoj Jarange-Patil began an indefinite hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati village of Jalna district. The protest was launched to pressure the state government into fulfilling a series of long-pending demands related to reservation benefits, Kunbi certificates, and caste validity documents for members of the Maratha community.
Soon after the hunger strike began, State Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil visited the protest site and held discussions with Jarange-Patil. A draft document outlining the government's response to the activist’s 14-point charter of demands was presented. However, the proposal was not accepted as a final solution. Jarange-Patil stated that while the draft could be considered, direct orders should be issued to government officials to ensure implementation, arguing that many assurances made in the past had failed to translate into action.
Among the key demands raised by the activist is the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazetteer of 1909 and the Satara Gazetteer. These documents are considered important by Maratha groups as they could facilitate the issuance of Kunbi certificates, allowing eligible Marathas to seek reservation benefits under the OBC category. The demand for a separate ministry dedicated to Maratha welfare, similar to the existing OBC welfare department, has also been reiterated.
According to the government’s draft response, nearly 58 million Kunbi records have already been uploaded on district administration websites. Standard operating procedures have also been prepared for issuing caste certificates based on historical records, with district authorities expected to conduct surveys and awareness programmes over the next few months.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the current government had taken several significant decisions in favour of the Maratha community while remaining within the framework of the Constitution and court directives. He assured that further decisions would continue to be taken in the community’s interest.
The protest has received support from various Maratha organisations and leaders, including demonstrations in Kolhapur. However, concerns have also been raised by OBC groups, which fear that any move affecting existing reservation benefits could impact their rights. OBC leaders have warned of statewide agitations if they believe their constitutional protections are being compromised.
With the hunger strike underway and tensions rising between competing reservation interests, the issue is once again at the centre of Maharashtra’s political and social landscape.
Share
Tweet
