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OBC Activists Begin Counter-Strike Near Jarange’s Maratha Quota Protest
Some OBC activists began a hunger strike near Manoj Jarange’s protest in Maharashtra.
Jarange is asking for reservation for Marathas under the OBC category.
OBC activists fear this could reduce the reservation share available to their community.
They object to government steps helping some Marathas obtain Kunbi caste certificates.
They say these certificates could allow eligible Marathas to receive OBC benefits.
Jarange has been fasting for nine days and reportedly refused water and medical care.
Both groups are protesting close to each other in the same village.
Police have arranged extra security to prevent clashes.
Four OBC activists began an indefinite hunger strike near Manoj Jarange’s protest site in Antarwali Sarti, Jalna.
They said the agitation aims to protect OBC constitutional rights and reservation entitlements.
The activists opposed issuing Kunbi certificates to eligible Maratha community members based on historical records.
Jarange has been fasting for nine days for Maratha reservation under the OBC category and reportedly refused water and medical treatment.
Police increased security around the nearby protests to prevent confrontation between OBC and Maratha demonstrators.
- Who
- OBC activists Mangesh Sasane, Vitthal Talekar, Satish Kulal and Babasaheb Batule, alongside supporters of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange.
- What
- The OBC activists launched an indefinite hunger strike opposing measures to facilitate Maratha entry into the OBC category.
- Where
- Sonia Nagar in Antarwali Sarti village, Jalna district, Maharashtra.
- When
- September 6, during the ninth day of Jarange’s indefinite fast.
- Why
- The OBC activists said they wanted to protect their community’s constitutional rights, reservation share and entitlements.
OBC Activists
Maratha Quota Activists
Reservation share
OBC Activists
OBC activists said facilitating Maratha inclusion could compromise the OBC community’s existing reservation share and entitlements.
Maratha Quota Activists
Manoj Jarange is demanding reservation for the Maratha community within the OBC category.
Kunbi certificates
OBC Activists
OBC activists called the appointment of nodal officers to facilitate certificates based on Kunbi records illegal and alleged that the government was giving special treatment to Marathas.
Maratha Quota Activists
Jarange’s demands include issuing Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community, using Hyderabad Gazette and Satara Gazette records.
Government assurances
OBC Activists
OBC activists said they were protesting through constitutional means and questioned government decisions supporting Maratha certificate applications.
Maratha Quota Activists
Jarange’s associates said his fast was continuing because of an alleged delay in implementing earlier government assurances.
Key facts
- OBC protest leaders
- Mangesh Sasane, Vitthal Talekar, Satish Kulal and Babasaheb Batule
- Maratha protest leader
- Manoj Jarange
- Location
- Sonia Nagar, Antarwali Sarti village, Jalna district
- OBC demand
- Protection of the community’s constitutional rights and reservation share
- Maratha demand
- Reservation under the OBC category, including Kunbi certificates for eligible members
- Claim cited by OBC activists
- Around 22 lakh caste certificates have reportedly been issued to Maratha community members
- Security response
- Police made elaborate arrangements to prevent confrontation between the two groups
Quotes
Mangesh Sasane
OBC activist participating in the counter-protest in Jalna
“Around 22 lakh caste certificates have so far been issued to members of the Maratha community. Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and MLC Prasad Lad are extending all possible support. We are protesting through constitutional means to protect our rights and entitlements.”
theprint.in
“Jarange is questioning why the verification committees rejected these certificates. Some ministers are conspiring to facilitate the entry of Marathas into the OBC category.”
theprint.in
Sources
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