Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Jarange Begins 11th Fast, Demands Kunbi Certificates for Marathas
Manoj Jarange Patil has started a hunger strike for reservation benefits for the Maratha community.
The fast began on August 29 at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra.
He wants eligible Marathas to receive Kunbi certificates, which can help them claim benefits under the OBC category.
He says these certificates should be based on 58 lakh historical records.
He also wants rejected caste-validity cases reviewed and government promises carried out.
Jarange is asking for police cases against protesters to be withdrawn and for help for families affected by the movement.
The government says most applications have already received certificates and only a smaller number are pending or rejected.
Some OBC groups oppose the Hyderabad Gazette-based classification.
Jarange says the protest will continue until all demands are accepted and has threatened a march to Mumbai.
Manoj Jarange Patil began his 11th indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati on August 29.
He wants eligible Marathas to receive Kunbi certificates based on 58 lakh historical records.
His demands also include reconsidering caste-validity cases, implementing Satara and Kolhapur-related government orders, and withdrawing cases against protesters.
The Maharashtra government says 1,424,634 of 1,431,634 applications had received certificates by August 24, while 1,747 were pending and 5,248 were rejected.
Jarange has threatened a phased march to Mumbai and a sit-in outside Chief Minister’s residence Varsha if his demands are not accepted.
- Who
- Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, his supporters, the Maharashtra government, and sections of the OBC community.
- What
- An indefinite hunger strike seeking Kunbi certificates and broader reservation-related measures for Marathas.
- When
- The fast began on August 29, after Jarange’s government deadline ended on August 28.
- Where
- Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, with a possible later march to Mumbai and a sit-in outside Varsha.
- Why
- Jarange says eligible Marathas must receive certificates based on identified records and that the government must fulfill its wider reservation-related demands.
Jarange and Maratha Demands
Government and OBC Concerns
Issuing Kunbi certificates
Jarange and Maratha Demands
Jarange wants certificates issued to every eligible person linked to the 58 lakh identified records, including applicants whose certificates were rejected or not issued.
Government and OBC Concerns
The government says certificates are being granted to eligible applicants who submit valid records and required documents, and that most applications have already been approved.
Number of historical records
Jarange and Maratha Demands
Jarange maintains that 58 lakh Kunbi records were identified and alleges that the government is trying to reduce that number.
Government and OBC Concerns
The reports cite a separate figure of 22 lakh attributed to Chandrashekhar Bawankule, while officials say applications are not being submitted at the scale of the entire 58 lakh record pool.
Caste-validity cases
Jarange and Maratha Demands
Jarange wants disputed or rejected caste-validity certificates reconsidered and seeks clarity on validity procedures under the Hyderabad Gazette framework.
Government and OBC Concerns
Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil says a small number of cases raised by Jarange have been sent for reconsideration, while some matters are before the High Court and are sub judice.
Hyderabad Gazette classification
Jarange and Maratha Demands
Jarange supports using the Hyderabad Gazette classification to issue Kunbi certificates and extend OBC benefits to eligible Marathas.
Government and OBC Concerns
Sections of the OBC community oppose issuing certificates through the Hyderabad Gazette-based classification.
- Protester
- Manoj Jarange Patil
- Fast location
- Antarwali Sarati, Jalna district
- Main demand
- Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas based on 58 lakh historical records
- Government application figures
- Of 1,431,634 applications received by August 24, 1,424,634 certificates were issued, 1,747 applications were pending, and 5,248 were rejected.
- Additional demands
- Caste-validity certificates, implementation of Satara and Kolhapur-related government orders, abolition of Caste Verification Committees, withdrawal of police cases, and support for affected families.
- Planned mobilisation
- A rally of 1,000 autorickshaws from Dharashiv district was planned in support of the protest.
- Possible escalation
- A phased march to Mumbai, including a sit-in outside the Chief Minister’s official residence, Varsha.
Sources
Jarange Hardens Stand, Announces Fresh Maratha Quota Agitation
Manoj Jarange Threatens Mumbai March If Maratha Demands Are Not Accepted, Calls For Community Mobilisation Ahead Of Fast
Manoj Jarange Patil begins fresh fast unto death for Maratha reservation; calls for unity till demands are met
Maratha quota: Firm on Aug 29 fast, Jarange threatens Mumbai siege if demands not accepted