‘No More Time’: Manoj Jarange Launches Indefinite Fast Over Maratha Reservation Demands

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange launched an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra’s Jalna district on Saturday, stepping up pressure on the state government to act on a series of long-pending reservation demands. Calling it his “final agitation”, Jarange said the Maratha community would not give the government any more time to resolve the issue.

At the heart of the fresh protest is his demand that caste certificates be issued to eligible Marathas on the basis of 58 lakh Kunbi records identified earlier. Kunbis are recognised under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category and receive reservation benefits in education and government jobs. Jarange has repeatedly demanded that eligible Marathas be recognised as Kunbis on the basis of historical documentary evidence.

Jarange also sought reservation based on the Satara Gazette, withdrawal of police cases filed against quota protesters across Maharashtra and government jobs and financial compensation for families of those who died during previous agitations. He demanded the release of pending SARTHI scholarships and immediate appointment letters for candidates selected under the SEBC and EBC quotas.

Among his other demands is the creation of a dedicated state portfolio for the Maratha and Kunbi communities, along with immediate staff appointments. He also sought the release of interest on loans extended through the Annasaheb Patil Arthik Vikas Mahamandal.

The activist has also targeted the state’s caste verification mechanism, alleging that valid documentary evidence is being rejected despite matching historical records. He demanded the abolition of the caste verification committee, arguing that Tehsildars and Sub-Divisional Magistrates in other states have the authority to handle such matters.

Jarange accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of holding a grudge against the Maratha community and alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was indirectly supporting him. He said a government delegation could hold talks, but insisted that it must arrive with concrete solutions.

Warning that the dispute could escalate, Jarange threatened to lead a march towards ‘Varsha’, the chief minister’s official residence in Mumbai, if his demands remain unresolved. He also appealed to people facing delays or rejection in obtaining caste certificates or validity documents to join the protest at Antarwali Sarati.