Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange threatens indefinite hunger strike in Maharashtra
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced an indefinite hunger strike starting May 30, 2026, in Jalna district, Maharashtra, demanding the state government issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas for OBC reservation. He accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s administration of halting certificate distribution, criticized a new policy barring reserved candidates from open seats, and demanded dissolution of the quota sub-committee, a separate Maratha-Kunbi ministry, and release of pending SARTHI scholarships. A BJP delegation met Jarange on May 29 to negotiate, expressing confidence he would withdraw the protest.
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Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jarange Ends Hunger Strike After Government Proposal
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange ended his ninth indefinite hunger strike in three years after receiving a comprehensive 12-point proposal from a Maharashtra government delegation led by Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. The protest, held at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district under scorching sun, concluded shortly after midnight on May 31, 2026. The government agreed to provide Kunbi caste certificates based on 58 lakh identified records, display documents at village gram panchayat offices, and hold the Divisional Commissioner's office responsible for implementation. Jarange demanded action against officials failing to issue certificates despite valid records. The government also promised a review of the caste validity certificate process after 15 days, financial assistance to families of movement martyrs within 15 days, and Jarange reiterated support for a separate ministry for Marathas and Kunbis. Jarange suffered health issues including vomiting, low blood pressure, and dehydration during the fast.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Manoj Jarange Patil launches ninth indefinite fast over Maratha quota demands
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil began his ninth indefinite fast on May 30, 2026, in Antarwali Sarati village, Jalna district, Maharashtra, intensifying pressure on the state government. The protest is held in the open under intense heat without shelter. Maratha Reservation Cabinet Sub-Committee chairman and Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil rushed to the scene to negotiate. Jarange demands issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas for OBC quota access, implementation of Hyderabad and Satara Gazette records, withdrawal of cases against protesters, and creation of a separate ministry for the Maratha community. He has warned the government against subjecting the community to an 'agni pariksha' (trial by fire).
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil to begin indefinite hunger strike on May 30
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has announced he will begin an indefinite hunger strike on May 30, 2026, in Antarwali Sarati village, Jalna district, Maharashtra. He dismissed claims by BJP Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil that the figure of 58 lakh Kunbi entries was a misunderstanding, insisting the government itself announced that number. Patil accused the Devendra Fadnavis-led government of subjecting the Maratha community to a 'cruel trial by fire' and challenged Fadnavis to sit in the May heat for two days. A delegation of BJP leaders met Patil to address his demands, including discrepancies in issued certificates, delays in pending certificates, and an extension for the Sandeep Shinde committee. Minister Vikhe Patil expressed confidence Patil would withdraw the agitation, but Patil remained unconvinced. The government has issued SOPs and formed a sub-committee to monitor implementation, but Patil insists on action, not assurances.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.BJP Minister Confident Manoj Jarange Patil Will Withdraw Maratha Quota Agitation
Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil expressed confidence that Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil will withdraw his planned indefinite hunger strike after a meeting with BJP leaders on May 29, 2026. The delegation, including Vikhe Patil and Prasad Lad, aims to address Jarange Patil's demands, which include discrepancies in issued certificates, delays in pending certificates, and an extension for the Sandeep Shinde committee to trace Kunbi records. Vikhe Patil clarified that the government has issued over 2.5 lakh Kunbi certificates in Marathwada and that 95% of 950 cases filed against protesters have been withdrawn. He attributed implementation delays to legal issues with the Hyderabad Gazette and local negligence. The protest was set to begin on May 30, 2026.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange Threatens Hunger Strike, Blames Government for Potential Health Issues
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced on May 28, 2026, that he will begin an indefinite hunger strike on May 30 under the blazing summer sun in Antarwali Sarati village, Jalna district, Maharashtra. He stated that the Maharashtra government would be responsible if he suffers health complications or dies from heatstroke. Jarange accused the government of filing false cases against Maratha youths and delaying jobs for families of those who died during the agitation. He demanded that all Marathas be recognized as Kunbis (an OBC caste) to qualify for reservation in jobs and education. Jarange said he will protest without shelter, water, food, or footwear, and urged community members not to gather at the venue. He criticized the government for inaction despite peaceful protests and negotiations, and questioned why Maratha votes are sought during elections but reservation is denied.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Manoj Jarange-Patil Issues May 30 Ultimatum for Maratha Quota, Threatens Indefinite Fast
Maratha social activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has announced an indefinite fast unto death starting May 30 in Jalna district, Maharashtra, demanding OBC status for the Maratha community. He issued a strict ultimatum to the state government, criticizing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for an eight-month delay in issuing a Government Resolution (GR) based on the Satara Gazette. This gazette is crucial for officially classifying Marathas under the Kunbi tag, which would facilitate the issuance of OBC certificates. Jarange-Patil accused the administration of halting the process despite previous promises and a cabinet directive to expedite the report. He highlighted that while a GR for the Hyderabad Gazette was implemented last year, similar actions for Satara, Kolhapur, and Aundh princely states remain pending. The activist urged the immediate distribution of certificates for 58 lakh records, referencing former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s earlier efforts. The protest aims to pressure the government into resolving the reservation issue, with Jarange-Patil asserting that the current administrative inaction is responsible for denying benefits to the Maratha community.
The Indian ExpressManoj Jarange Threatens Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota and Certificate Issues
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced an indefinite hunger strike starting May 30, 2026, demanding the Maharashtra government address unresolved community issues. He issued a deadline of May 29 for the distribution of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas in the Marathwada region. Jarange alleged that the state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has completely halted the issuance of these certificates, which are crucial for accessing Other Backward Class (OBC) reservations. Additionally, he called for the dissolution of the Maratha quota sub-committee, citing its ineffectiveness, and demanded a separate ministry for Maratha and Kunbi communities. The activist also criticized a recent government policy preventing reserved category candidates from competing for open category seats, arguing it disadvantages Marathas. Furthermore, Jarange highlighted the stagnation of financial aid, noting that approximately ₹1,600 to ₹1,800 crore in scholarships under the SARTHI scheme remains pending. He urged scholars to discuss these policies and demanded the validation of previously issued certificates and the withdrawal of police cases against protesters.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduJarange Warns of Fresh Agitation from May 30 Over Unfulfilled Maratha Quota Demands
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced an indefinite hunger strike starting May 30, issuing a May 29 deadline to the Maharashtra government to distribute Kunbi caste certificates in the Marathwada region. Speaking in Jalna district, Jarange demanded the dissolution of the Maratha quota sub-committee and the creation of a separate ministry for Maratha and Kunbi communities. He alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s administration has halted the issuance of Kunbi certificates, despite previous distributions under the Hyderabad gazette. Jarange also called for the immediate implementation of the Satara and Aundh gazettes, validation of existing certificates, and the withdrawal of police cases against protesters. Additionally, he criticized a recent state policy preventing reserved category candidates from claiming open category seats, arguing it was introduced too late to protect Maratha interests. He further claimed that financial assistance schemes, including approximately Rs 1,600-1,800 crore in pending scholarships for the SARTHI initiative, are being intentionally stalled. Jarange urged community scholars to convene on May 28 to discuss these grievances, emphasizing that the community will not tolerate further delays in welfare distribution and reservation rights.
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