Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Manoj Jarange Patil Revives Fast Over Kunbi Certificates
Manoj Jarange Patil is protesting again over certificates connected to the Kunbi community.
He says people who can connect their families to old Kunbi records are still waiting for documents.
The government says it has examined about 58 lakh old records.
However, it says a record does not automatically give every descendant a certificate.
Officials must check each person’s family history first.
Jarange believes this checking is taking too long and that some applications are being rejected or delayed.
Ministers met him and promised to address administrative problems, but they did not agree that certificates should be issued immediately.
Jarange is therefore starting an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati.
Manoj Jarange Patil is beginning an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati over delayed Kunbi certificates and caste-validity documents.
Jarange says the Maharashtra government has not fulfilled assurances made after last year’s agitation and that eligible applicants face refusals or demands for extra documents.
The government says examining 58 lakh historical records does not automatically qualify 58 lakh people for Kunbi certificates.
Officials must verify each applicant’s genealogical connection to records identifying people as Kunbi, Maratha Kunbi or Kunbi Maratha.
Taluka committees led by tehsildars will continue processing cases through June 30, 2027, while ministers have urged Jarange not to resume the protest.
- Who
- Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, the Maharashtra government and applicants seeking Kunbi certificates.
- What
- Jarange is beginning an indefinite hunger strike over delays in issuing Kunbi certificates and caste-validity documents.
- When
- The fast is scheduled to begin on Saturday; the article also describes it as resuming today. Jarange had set August 28 as a deadline for resolving pending cases.
- Where
- Antarwali Sarati, Maharashtra; his previous major protest began at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
- Why
- Jarange says the government has not implemented assurances from last year’s agitation quickly enough, while the government says genealogical verification is legally and administratively necessary.
Jarange Patil’s position
Maharashtra government’s position
Meaning of the 58 lakh records
Jarange Patil’s position
The records should lead to certificates for applicants who can establish their family connection to the historical entries; merely identifying records is not implementation.
Maharashtra government’s position
The figure refers to records examined, not 58 lakh people automatically eligible for Kunbi certificates.
Speed of certification
Jarange Patil’s position
The process has been too slow, and some applications are reportedly refused, not accepted or burdened with additional-document demands even after family links are established.
Maharashtra government’s position
The process is underway, but officials must verify each applicant’s genealogy before issuing a certificate.
Administrative failures
Jarange Patil’s position
The government has failed to deliver the assurances made after last year’s agitation, prompting another indefinite fast.
Maharashtra government’s position
The government acknowledges delays and mistakes, says it will address administrative hurdles and may suspend officials who deliberately obstruct the process.
- Records examined
- About 58 lakh historical records have been examined.
- Records covered
- The records identify people as Kunbi, Maratha Kunbi or Kunbi Maratha.
- Verification process
- Taluka-level committees headed by tehsildars verify applicants’ genealogical links.
- Committee tenure
- The committees’ tenure has been extended until June 30, 2027.
- Last year’s protest
- Jarange withdrew his Azad Maidan agitation after five days when the government accepted six of his eight demands.
- Government meeting
- Ministers Shambhuraj Desai, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Uday Samant met Jarange on August 24.