Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Maharashtra minister seeks talks with fasting Maratha reservation leader
Manoj Jarange Patil is fasting to demand reservation for the Maratha community.
He began his latest hunger strike on August 29.
He says the government must act by September 12.
A Maharashtra minister went to meet him and discuss the issue.
Jarange Patil also told supporters to travel to Mumbai in small groups if there is no agreement.
Doctors checked him after his health worsened and explained that his blood sugar reading was not unusual.
Government ministers said they would seek a solution without reducing OBC reservations.
An OBC leader criticized the government and questioned whether its promises would be kept.
Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil traveled to Antarwali Sarati to meet fasting activist Manoj Jarange Patil.
Jarange Patil began his 11th indefinite hunger strike on August 29 and set September 12 as the deadline for action on Maratha reservation.
He urged supporters to travel quietly toward Mumbai if the government does not meet their demands.
Doctors said Jarange Patil’s elevated blood sugar was medically normal after he questioned the test results.
Government ministers promised a solution, while OBC leader Laxman Hake opposed assurances that could affect OBC interests.
- Who
- Manoj Jarange Patil, Maharashtra ministers, Maratha supporters, and OBC leader Laxman Hake.
- What
- Jarange Patil is staging an indefinite hunger strike seeking reservation for the Maratha community, while the government is pursuing talks.
- When
- The strike began on August 29; the stated deadline is September 12, and the minister’s visit occurred on Tuesday, the strike’s fourth day.
- Where
- Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra’s Jalna district; Jarange Patil urged supporters to head toward Mumbai if necessary.
- Why
- Jarange Patil wants the government to concede the Maratha community’s reservation demands.
Maratha reservation advocates
Government and OBC perspectives
Reservation demand
Maratha reservation advocates
Manoj Jarange Patil is demanding that the government grant reservation to the Maratha community and has made September 12 the deadline.
Government and OBC perspectives
Government ministers said a solution would be found through discussions and that the Maratha community should receive reservation without reducing OBC reservations.
Potential Mumbai protest
Maratha reservation advocates
Jarange Patil urged supporters to move toward Mumbai in small groups and use quiet, strategic methods if the demands are not met.
Government and OBC perspectives
Uday Samant said the government was trying to prevent the Maratha community from coming to Mumbai for the protest.
OBC concerns
Maratha reservation advocates
Maratha supporters are pressing for action on their community’s reservation demand.
Government and OBC perspectives
OBC leader Laxman Hake questioned the government’s assurances, criticized the OBC sub-committee’s limited meetings, and opposed what he viewed as disregard for OBC interests.
- Protester
- Manoj Jarange Patil
- Strike
- His 11th indefinite hunger strike began on August 29.
- Deadline
- Jarange Patil set September 12 for the government to act.
- Government visitor
- Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil traveled to Antarwali Sarati.
- Health update
- Doctors said Jarange Patil’s elevated blood sugar was normal and addressed his concerns.
- Government position
- Minister Uday Samant said Maratha reservation should not reduce reservation meant for OBCs.
- Opposition view
- OBC leader Laxman Hake criticized the government’s assurances and the OBC sub-committee’s work.