Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil has launched his 11th hunger strike in Antarwali Sarathi, demanding OBC certificates for Kunbi records and the scrapping of caste verification committees.
- Manoj Jarange Patil started his 11th fast unto death in Jalna district.
- Primary demands: Issuing OBC certificates based on 58 lakh Kunbi records and scrapping caste verification committees.
- Warning: A direct march to Mumbai if demands are not met.
- Heavy police security deployed at the protest site.
The political temperature in Maharashtra has escalated once again as Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil launched a fast unto death on Saturday in Antarwali Sarathi village, Jalna district. Describing this as his 'decisive' fast, Jarange has intensified his long-standing battle for Maratha reservation, marking his eleventh such protest in just three years.
Core Demands and Political Friction
The activist's demands are multi-faceted, focusing heavily on the issuance of OBC certificates for 58 lakh identified Kunbi records. Furthermore, Jarange has called for the immediate dissolution of caste verification and scrutiny committees operating across the state. He has leveled sharp criticisms against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing them of inaction regarding the community's grievances.
Jarange's protest is not just a demand for reservation, but a direct challenge to the administrative and political structure of Maharashtra.
The movement has sparked significant debate among political leaders. NCP Minister Chhagan Bhujbal strongly opposed the demand to scrap caste verification committees, arguing that they are essential to prevent unauthorized entries into various castes for benefits. Conversely, legal experts have questioned the validity of Jarange's demands, with some suggesting the protest is politically motivated.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the Maratha reservation issue remains the single most volatile factor in Maharashtra's socio-political landscape. The standoff between the Maratha community's demands and the OBC community's concerns creates a complex deadlock that could dictate the state's political future for years to come.
| Stakeholder | Position/Argument |
|---|---|
| Manoj Jarange Patil | Demands OBC certificates for Kunbi records and removal of verification committees. |
| Chhagan Bhujbal (NCP) | Argues that caste verification committees are vital to prevent misuse. |
| Babanrao Taywade (OBC Mahasangh) | Claims Kunbi record numbers are misleading; only 49,000 new records found. |
As tensions rise, the government has deployed significant police forces at the protest site to prevent any escalation. Jarange has urged the Maratha community to mobilize and join the struggle, warning that if a revised Government Resolution (GR) is not issued, the protesters will march directly to the state capital, Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the specific demands of Manoj Jarange Patil?
He is demanding OBC certificates based on Kunbi records and the scrapping of caste verification committees.
2. How has the government responded to the protest?
The government has deployed heavy police security at the protest site in Antarwali Sarathi to maintain order.
