3 days ago
Jarange Begins 11th Hunger Strike, Warns of Mumbai March
Manoj Jarange has started his 11th hunger strike for Maratha reservation demands.
He wants eligible Marathas to receive Kunbi certificates.
Kunbis receive reservation benefits in education and government jobs through the OBC category.
Jarange says old records should allow certificates to be issued quickly.
He also wants caste-checking committees stopped for applications supported by those records.
If the government does not agree, he says protesters may march to Mumbai.
A meeting on September 12 will discuss whether to hold another hunger strike there.
Some OBC leaders say removing checks could allow people to use false certificates and harm other communities.
The Maharashtra government says it is working on the demands and wants Jarange to suspend the protest.
Manoj Jarange began his 11th indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra’s Jalna district.
He is demanding Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas based on 58 lakh historical records.
Jarange wants caste verification suspended for applications supported by those records and has called for broader Maratha quota measures.
He warned that protesters could march to Mumbai, with a September 12 meeting set to consider a hunger strike there.
The state has extended its Kunbi-record scrutiny panel until June 30, 2027, while OBC leaders defend verification committees.
- Who
- Manoj Jarange, Maratha protesters, the Maharashtra government, and leaders representing OBC interests.
- What
- Jarange launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding Kunbi certificates for Marathas and action on wider reservation-related issues.
- Where
- The protest is taking place at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, with a possible march to Mumbai.
- When
- The fast began on Saturday and entered its second day on Sunday; a core-committee meeting is scheduled for September 12.
- Why
- Jarange seeks recognition of eligible Marathas as Kunbis, faster certificate issuance, changes to verification procedures, and benefits for protesters, students, and quota candidates.
Jarange and Maratha Quota Supporters
Government and Verification Defenders
Kunbi recognition
Jarange and Maratha Quota Supporters
Jarange demands that all Marathas, or eligible Marathas supported by historical records, be recognised as Kunbis and receive certificates without further delay.
Government and Verification Defenders
The state has retained a panel to determine the process for issuing Kunbi certificates, saying Maratha-Kunbi genealogy work remains incomplete in some districts.
Caste verification
Jarange and Maratha Quota Supporters
Jarange says verification committees are unnecessary when applications are supported by historical records and alleges that officials reject applications despite valid documents.
Government and Verification Defenders
Sanjay Lakhe Patil and Chhagan Bhujbal defended scrutiny mechanisms, warning that abolishing them could enable false certificates and affect the reservation rights of other communities, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Handling the protest
Jarange and Maratha Quota Supporters
Jarange says he will intensify the agitation and may lead protesters to Mumbai if the demands are not accepted by September 12.
Government and Verification Defenders
Uday Samant said the government was working on the demands on a war footing, would not compromise OBC rights, and wanted Jarange to suspend the agitation.
Key facts
- Protest leader
- Manoj Jarange
- Protest status
- 11th indefinite hunger strike; second day on Sunday
- Starting location
- Antarwali Sarati, Jalna district, Maharashtra
- Historical records cited
- 58 lakh records supporting Kunbi certificate claims
- Possible Mumbai action
- A march to Mumbai and a possible hunger strike, to be considered on September 12
- Scrutiny panel extension
- The Kunbi-record scrutiny committee was extended until June 30, 2027
- Additional demands
- Satara Gazette-based reservation, withdrawal of police cases, compensation and jobs for families of deceased protesters, scholarships, loan-related payments, and appointment letters
Quotes
Manoj Jarange
Maratha quota activist leading the hunger strike
“If they do not resolve our issues, we will go to Varsha bungalow. If a government delegation comes for talks, we will speak to them. But this is my last agitation. I will not call off the agitation until all the issues are resolved.”
deccanchronicle.com
“If the government accepts our demands by September 12, there will be no need to hold the proposed fast in Mumbai.”
theprint.in
rediff.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Maharashtra: Jarange Begins 11th Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota Demands
Day 2 of Maratha quota protest: Jarange firm on Kunbi certificate demand, warns of march to Mumbai
Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate
Manoj Jarange Vows Mumbai March Over Maratha Kunbi Demand
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