Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Who Is Manoj Jarange-Patil? Maratha Quota Activist’s Hunger Strike
Manoj Jarange-Patil is an activist from Maharashtra.
He wants Marathas to receive reservation, or special access, in government jobs and education.
He is also asking the government to give Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Maratha people.
Jarange began an indefinite hunger strike on 29 August.
The strike had continued for 11 days when the report was published.
He asked supporters to gather in Jalna on 12 September.
He said protesters should remain peaceful even if they face problems from police.
However, he warned that Maharashtra could shut down if a protester is seriously harmed.
Minister Chhagan Bhujbal opposes granting Maratha reservation through the OBC category.
Manoj Jarange-Patil has led protests seeking reservations for Marathas in government jobs and education.
His latest indefinite hunger strike began on 29 August and had entered its 11th day.
Jarange is demanding OBC reservation for Marathas, along with Kunbi certificates for eligible community members.
He has called for a major gathering in Jalna on 12 September and warned of a statewide shutdown if protesters face police action.
Jarange has accused ministers of misleading Marathas and criticized minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s opposition to OBC-based Maratha reservations.
- Who
- Manoj Jarange-Patil and supporters seeking reservation for the Maratha community; Chhagan Bhujbal is an opponent of granting it through the OBC category.
- What
- Jarange is undertaking an indefinite hunger strike and demanding OBC reservation, implementation of Hyderabad and Satara Gazette records, and Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas.
- When
- The latest hunger strike began on 29 August and had entered its 11th day; Jarange called for a gathering on 12 September.
- Where
- The fast is taking place at Antarwali Sarti village in Jalna district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Jarange is seeking reservation for Marathas in government jobs and education and recognition of eligible community members as Kunbis.
Maratha Quota Supporters
Quota Opponents
Reservation through the OBC category
Maratha Quota Supporters
Manoj Jarange-Patil demands OBC reservation for Marathas and the issuance of Kunbi certificates to eligible members.
Quota Opponents
Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has opposed granting reservation to Marathas through the OBC quota.
Response to the protests
Maratha Quota Supporters
Jarange says protesters should not retaliate against police but warns of a statewide shutdown if a protester’s blood is shed.
Quota Opponents
Jarange alleges that authorities have planned at several points to prevent protesters from reaching Mumbai; the article does not provide an official response to this claim.
- Activist
- Manoj Jarange-Patil
- Community
- Marathas
- Hunger strike began
- 29 August
- Main demand
- Reservation for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes category
- Additional demand
- Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Maratha community members
- Protest site
- Antarwali Sarti village, Jalna district, Maharashtra
- Planned gathering
- 12 September in Jalna