Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Jarange-Patil Plans Mumbai March, Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota
Manoj Jarange-Patil is protesting for reservation benefits for the Maratha community.
He wants eligible Marathas to receive Kunbi certificates.
Kunbis are included in the Other Backward Classes category.
Jarange-Patil wants Marathas to receive OBC benefits in government jobs and education.
He plans to lead supporters toward Mumbai starting September 15.
He plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19.
Maharashtra ministers have offered steps involving records, certificates and OBC concessions.
Jarange-Patil says he will continue until his demands are fulfilled.
Other OBC groups oppose adding Marathas to their category, while the High Court refused to stop the proposed protest urgently.
Manoj Jarange-Patil plans to lead supporters from Antarwali Sarati toward Mumbai beginning September 15, traveling about 100 kilometers daily.
He intends to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan at 10 a.m. on September 19.
The campaign seeks Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas and their inclusion in the Other Backward Classes category for jobs and education.
Maharashtra ministers offered measures involving Kunbi records, certificates, OBC concessions, a reservation cell and funding, but Jarange-Patil said the agitation would continue until demands were met.
The Bombay High Court declined to urgently stop the march after a petitioner cited possible disruption during Ganesh Chaturthi, saying it should not act on speculation or apprehension.
- Who
- Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, his supporters, Maharashtra government representatives and groups opposing Maratha inclusion in the OBC category.
- What
- A planned march to Mumbai followed by an indefinite hunger strike seeking Kunbi certificates and OBC reservation benefits for eligible Marathas.
- When
- The march is planned to begin September 15, with the hunger strike scheduled for September 19 at 10 a.m.; Ganesh Chaturthi festivities are reported from September 14 to 25.
- Where
- The march is planned from Antarwali Sarati through various districts to Mumbai, where the hunger strike is scheduled at Azad Maidan.
- Why
- Jarange-Patil wants the Maharashtra government to recognize eligible Marathas through Kunbi records and provide reservation in government jobs and education under the OBC category.
Maratha Quota Supporters
Opponents and Concerned Authorities
Reservation route
Maratha Quota Supporters
Jarange-Patil and supporters want eligible Marathas to receive Kunbi certificates and access reservation through the OBC category.
Opponents and Concerned Authorities
Other OBC groups oppose adding Marathas to their category, while the separate Maratha quota has been described as vulnerable to the 50% reservation ceiling.
Government response
Maratha Quota Supporters
Jarange-Patil says the government has not fulfilled pending demands and will continue the agitation unless all demands are implemented.
Opponents and Concerned Authorities
Maharashtra ministers say they are processing Kunbi records, planning certificate and OBC-concession measures, and have appealed to him to end the fast, citing his deteriorating health.
Planned protest
Maratha Quota Supporters
Jarange-Patil describes the march and hunger strike as peaceful and says talks can take place before, during or after the march.
Opponents and Concerned Authorities
A Mumbai petitioner argued that the march could cause chaos during Ganesh Chaturthi and sought court restrictions; the High Court declined to intervene urgently based on speculation or apprehension.
- March start
- September 15, from Antarwali Sarati toward Mumbai
- Planned pace
- Approximately 100 kilometers daily through various districts
- Hunger strike
- Indefinite fast at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, beginning September 19 at 10 a.m.
- Main demand
- Kunbi certificates and inclusion of eligible Marathas in the OBC category for jobs and education
- Government proposals
- Processing Kunbi records, issuing certificates, providing OBC concessions, creating a Maratha Reservation Cell and allocating Rs 300 crore to the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation
- Opposition
- Other OBC groups oppose including Marathas in their category; a Mumbai petitioner cited possible disruption during Ganesh Chaturthi
- Court decision
- The Bombay High Court refused an urgent request to stop the proposed march
- Reported discrepancy
- Reports differ on the location of Jarange-Patil’s earlier hunger strike, describing it as either Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district or Mumbai
Sources
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil to march to Mumbai, hold indefinite strike at Azad Maidan
Maratha quota battle heads to Mumbai? Activist Manoj Jarange Patil warns of fast unto death at Azad Maidan
Jarange Patil to begin indefinite hunger strike from Sept 19