Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has launched his 11th hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati, demanding Kunbi certificates for 58 lakh verified applicants to secure reservation benefits.

  • Manoj Jarange Patil commenced his 11th hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
  • The demand focuses on issuing Kunbi certificates to 58 lakh verified applicants.
  • The Maharashtra government claims most certificates have been issued, citing a 0.3% rejection rate.
  • Massive support is expected via a 1,000-rickshaw rally from Dharashiv district.

The political landscape in Maharashtra is witnessing intense turbulence as Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil began his 11th consecutive hunger strike on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Located in Antarwali Sarati within the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, the protest aims to pressure the state government into issuing Kunbi certificates to all 58 lakh applicants whose records have been verified, including those previously rejected during the caste scrutiny process.

The Statistical Discrepancy: Government vs. Activist

A significant gap exists between the official government data and the claims made by the Maratha leadership. Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who visited the region to mediate, stated that the government has been proactive. According to official figures, out of 14,31,634 applicants, 14,24,634 have already received certificates, leaving only 1,747 pending and 5,248 rejected.

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Minister Vikhe Patil emphasized that the rejection rate is a mere 0.3% and urged eligible applicants to submit their documents to district collectors within eight days. However, Manoj Jarange has vehemently rejected these figures, alleging that the government is attempting to slash or manipulate the data of the 58 lakh Marathas who are eligible for the Kunbi status.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a bureaucratic dispute but a high-stakes struggle for social identity and economic security. Obtaining a Kunbi certificate allows Marathas to access the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation quota. The prolonged nature of this strike indicates a deep-seated mistrust between the Maratha community and the current administration, which could have significant electoral implications for the state.

The persistence of Jarange's hunger strikes signals a shift from a localized demand to a massive socio-political movement that the state cannot easily ignore.

Adding to the pressure, local organizations have mobilized massive support. A large-scale rally involving one thousand rickshaws is set to depart from the Dharashiv district, heading towards Antarwali Sarati to stand in solidarity with the activist.

Historical Background

The demand for Maratha reservation has been a recurring theme in Maharashtra's politics for decades. The core of the current agitation lies in the demand to recognize Marathas as 'Kunbis'—a community traditionally involved in agriculture—to facilitate their inclusion in the OBC category, providing them with much-needed educational and employment quotas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the core demand of Manoj Jarange?
Answer: He is demanding that the government issue Kunbi certificates to all 58 lakh applicants whose records have been verified.

Question 2: How has the government responded to the protest?
Answer: The government maintains that the vast majority of certificates have been issued and that the rejection rate is extremely low.

Did You Know?: The Kunbi community's recognition is the legal gateway for Marathas to claim benefits under the OBC category in Maharashtra.