Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has announced a march to Mumbai starting September 15, culminating in an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19. He is demanding job and educational quotas via Kunbi certificates.

  • Manoj Jarange-Patil will begin a march to Mumbai on September 15.
  • An indefinite hunger strike is scheduled at Azad Maidan from September 19.
  • Primary demands: Job and educational quotas for the Maratha community.
  • Supporters urged to maintain peace and cover 100km daily.

In a significant escalation of the Maratha reservation movement, activist Manoj Jarange-Patil announced on Saturday that he and his supporters will embark on a massive march to Mumbai starting September 15. The protest is set to culminate in an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan from September 19, aimed at securing job and educational quotas for the Maratha community.

The Planned Route and Schedule

The march is designed to sweep through Western Maharashtra, mobilizing supporters at various strategic stops. The detailed itinerary is as follows:

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  • September 15: Patoda, Beed
  • September 16: Srigonda, Ahilyanagar district
  • September 17: Hadapsar, Pune district
  • September 18: Khopoli, Raigad district
  • September 19: Khoparkhairane, Navi Mumbai (Final destination)

Jarange-Patil has urged his followers to maintain high momentum, requesting them to cover approximately 100 kilometers each day to reach their scheduled stops on time.

Call for Peace and Order

Recognizing the potential for volatility, Jarange-Patil issued a stern directive to his supporters to maintain absolute peace. "Do not resort to stone pelting no matter what the action is from the other side. Maintain peace during the march," he stated. Furthermore, he appealed to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure that no unnecessary barriers are placed in the path of the protesters.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this movement represents a critical flashpoint in Maharashtra's socio-political landscape. The demand for Kunbi certificates—which would categorize Marathas under the OBC umbrella—is a sensitive issue that touches upon the complex web of caste-based politics and resource distribution in the state.

The success of this hunger strike depends on the government's ability to balance the demands of the Maratha community with the existing social fabric of Maharashtra.

Jarange-Patil has been on a hunger strike since August 29, demanding that the government issue Kunbi certificates based on 5.8 million existing records. He has accused the administration of failing to implement the Government Resolution (GR) regarding Maratha reservation and has criticized the refusal to validate previously issued certificates.

Historical Background

The struggle for Maratha reservation has been a recurring theme in Maharashtra's history. As one of the most influential communities in the state, the Marathas have long sought constitutional safeguards to ensure their representation in government services and higher education, particularly amidst changing economic dynamics.

Did You Know?: The Kunbi-Maratha link is central to the reservation debate, as Kunbi status provides access to Other Backward Class (OBC) benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main objective of the hunger strike?
The primary objective is to demand educational and employment quotas for the Maratha community through the issuance of Kunbi certificates.

2. Where will the protesters gather in Mumbai?
The protesters plan to hold their indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, Mumbai.