Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Manoj Jarange Rejects Dinner Invitation Amid Maratha Quota Protest
Manoj Jarange-Patil is protesting for reservation-related benefits for the Maratha community.
He is on a 13-day hunger strike and wants more people to receive Kunbi certificates.
Amruta Fadnavis invited him to dinner and said he was like a brother to her.
Jarange said he would come for dinner during Bhaubeej instead.
He said eating dinner now could distract him from his protest.
Jarange has criticized several Maharashtra leaders, including Eknath Shinde.
Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai said those personal criticisms were wrong.
Desai also said the government had already helped many people obtain Kunbi certificates.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil declined Amruta Fadnavis’s dinner invitation while continuing his 13-day hunger strike.
Jarange said he would accept the invitation on Bhaubeej, a festival celebrating the brother-sister relationship.
He said his focus remained on securing Kunbi certificates for members of the Maratha community.
Jarange criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several ministers over the quota issue.
Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai criticized Jarange’s personal remarks about Shinde and said the government had helped issue about 375,000 to 400,000 Kunbi certificates.
- Who
- Manoj Jarange-Patil, Amruta Fadnavis, Maharashtra leaders including Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, and Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai.
- What
- Jarange declined a dinner invitation during his hunger strike and continued demanding Kunbi certificates for the Maratha community.
- When
- The invitation was made Wednesday, and Jarange responded Thursday while describing his 13-day hunger strike.
- Where
- Antarwali-Sarati, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Jarange said he remains focused on his protest and should not be distracted from demanding Kunbi certificates for Maratha community members.
Jarange’s Position
Government and Shiv Sena Position
Purpose of the protest
Jarange’s Position
Jarange says he must remain focused on his hunger strike and demand for Kunbi certificates rather than attend a dinner during the protest.
Government and Shiv Sena Position
Shambhuraj Desai says the government is making efforts to fulfill its promises, including tracing Kunbi records and issuing certificates.
Criticism of Eknath Shinde
Jarange’s Position
Jarange says he will speak in support of his community and argues that the chief minister and deputy chief minister have made mistakes.
Government and Shiv Sena Position
Desai and Shiv Sena supporters say Jarange’s informal, personal criticism of Eknath Shinde is inappropriate and is disturbing members of the Maratha community.
Response to the dinner invitation
Jarange’s Position
Jarange says he will accept the invitation on Bhaubeej, arguing that a sister should not invite a brother to dinner while he is leading a protest.
Government and Shiv Sena Position
Amruta Fadnavis presented the invitation as a fraternal gesture, saying Jarange is like a brother to her.
- Protester
- Manoj Jarange-Patil
- Invitation
- Amruta Fadnavis invited Jarange to dinner and described him as a brother.
- Protest duration
- 13-day hunger strike
- Main demand
- Kunbi certificates for the Maratha community
- Alternative date suggested
- Bhaubeej
- Certificates issued
- Shambhuraj Desai said approximately 375,000 to 400,000 people had received Kunbi certificates.
- Government measures cited
- Desai said funding for the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation was raised to Rs 1,000 crore, alongside commitments on hostels and overseas education concessions.