Maharashtra Politics: Manoj Jarange Patil Announces Indefinite Hunger Strike Over Maratha Reservation

The Maratha reservation issue has once again gained momentum in Maharashtra as prominent Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil has announced an indefinite hunger strike. Jarange Patil accused the Maharashtra government of failing to take concrete steps regarding the community's reservation demands and warned that he would launch a protest unlike any seen before. He stated that he would sit in the open under extreme heat without special arrangements and continue the fast regardless of the consequences. His primary demand is that all Marathas be granted Kunbi caste certificates. Since the Kunbi community falls under the OBC category, this would enable Marathas to avail reservation benefits in education and government jobs. Jarange has also put forward several other demands, including withdrawal of cases against protesters, employment for families of those who died during the movement, revival of welfare schemes, and formation of separate ministries for Maratha and Kunbi communities. The issue remains politically significant in Maharashtra.