Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has restarted his indefinite hunger strike in Jalna, demanding Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas and threatening a massive march to Mumbai.

  • Manoj Jarange has launched his 11th indefinite fast at Antarwali Sarati, Jalna.
  • Primary Demand: Issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Maratha individuals.
  • Ultimatum: A core committee meeting on September 12 will decide on a potential Mumbai march.
  • Demands include withdrawal of police cases and compensation for protesters' families.

Prominent Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has intensified his agitation against the Maharashtra government by resuming his indefinite hunger strike. Starting Saturday at his native village, Antarwali Sarati in the Jalna district, Jarange is demanding that eligible members of the Maratha community be recognized as Kunbis to avail themselves of the Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation benefits in education and employment.

During his second day of fasting, Jarange issued a stern warning to the administration. He stated that if the state government fails to act on their demands, the community will launch a massive march to Mumbai. The movement has gained significant momentum, with thousands of community members gathering in support of his cause.

Read Also:Telangana: Former AIMIM MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig Accused of Assaulting Minor

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the Maratha reservation issue remains one of the most volatile political triggers in Maharashtra. The demand for Kunbi certificates is not just about identity but about accessing socio-economic mobility through existing reservation frameworks. The government faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining law and order and addressing the deep-seated grievances of a politically influential community.

The government is walking a tightrope; failing to address the historical documentation issue could trigger widespread civil unrest across the state.

Jarange’s demands are multifaceted. He is insisting on the immediate issuance of Kunbi certificates based on 58 lakh historical records. He has also called for a complete halt to the current caste certificate verification process for those covered by these records, arguing that the existing documentation should suffice.

Beyond certificates, the activist has demanded the withdrawal of all police cases registered against quota protesters and financial compensation for the families of those who lost their lives during previous agitations. Furthermore, he is seeking a dedicated state portfolio for the Maratha and Kunbi communities and the immediate release of pending SARTHI student scholarships.

The movement is also focusing on economic relief, including interest payments on loans extended through the Annasaheb Patil Arthik Vikas Mahamandal and the immediate issuance of appointment letters for candidates selected under the SEBC and EBC quotas.

Did You Know?: The Kunbi community is an agrarian group in Maharashtra that currently benefits from OBC reservation status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of the Kunbi certificate demand?
Obtaining a Kunbi certificate allows Marathas to be classified under the OBC category, granting them access to reserved seats in government jobs and educational institutions.

2. When will the next major decision be made?
A core committee meeting is scheduled for September 12 to decide whether to proceed with a march to Mumbai.