Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jarange Patil Announces August 29 Mumbai Hunger Strike Over Pending Reservation Demands
Jalna, 30th April 2025: Maratha Reservation Activist Manoj Jarange Patil has declared that he will lead a major hunger strike in Mumbai on 29th August, intensifying the ongoing agitation for Maratha reservation. Addressing supporters in Jalna district, Jarange Patil stated that the “Chalo Mumbai” call has been given because the community has no alternative left, with their long-standing demands still unmet by the Maharashtra government.
Jarange Patil set a June 6 deadline for the state to implement the Maratha community’s demands, particularly the legal recognition of ‘blood relatives’ of Kunbi Marathas, which would enable their inclusion in the OBC category for reservation in government jobs and education. He warned that if the government fails to act before the academic admission process begins, the community will proceed with an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai and intensify political pressure, including a possible boycott of local body elections.
The activist highlighted that the Maratha community had previously suspended protests in January after assurances from the government that four key demands would be addressed within three months. However, with no resolution in sight, Jarange Patil emphasised that the community’s patience has run out and that only reservation can secure a better future for Maratha youth.
The Maratha reservation issue has seen repeated protests and legal battles, with the community demanding the issuance of Kunbi certificates to Marathas based on historical records, enabling access to OBC benefits. The state government had established a committee led by Justice Shinde to decide the process for granting these certificates, but Jarange Patil insists that concrete legislative action is needed.
