India

Maratha Reservation Activist Manoj Jarange Patil Continues Hunger Strike, Calls for Mass Rally in Jalna

By Swati Gandhi

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil's indefinite hunger strike has entered its 11th day, and he has called for a large gathering in Jalna, Maharashtra, on 12 September, warning of a statewide shutdown if protesters face police action. Speaking to reporters at the protest site in Antarwali Sarti village, Jarange alleged that state ministers were colluding to mislead the Maratha community and claimed authorities had made arrangements to stop protesters from reaching Mumbai at multiple points, according to PTI. "Do not come to Antarwali now, but on 12 September, not a single Maratha should stay behind," Jarange said, urging people from districts including Pune, Thane, Nashik, and Mumbai to gather in large numbers on that day. He also asked supporters not to crowd the protest site during his hunger strike and appealed to them not to retaliate if they encountered police harassment while travelling to Antarwali Sarti. "We will not cause any trouble to the police even if they trouble the protesters. But if the blood of even one protester is shed, Maharashtra should shut down within 10 minutes," he warned. Last week, Jarange said he would not end his fast until his demands regarding the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates were met. He also criticised senior OBC leader and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who has opposed extending reservation to Marathas under the OBC quota. "I thought age would bring wisdom, but even in old age, there has been no change in his stand," Jarange said, adding that the Maratha community would distance itself from the Mahayuti alliance. "Is Chhagan Bhujbal the only person whose votes are behind the Mahayuti?" he asked. Jarange Patil, originally from Beed district, moved to Shahgad in Jalna district after marriage. He joined the movement for Maratha reservation in government jobs and education about 17 years ago and has taken part in numerous marches and protests, according to a Hindustan Times report. He has reportedly sold 2.5 acres of his four acres of agricultural land to sustain himself during his activism. Jarange Patil was previously associated with the Congress party before founding the Shivba Sanghatana, an organisation formed to lead protests demanding Maratha reservation. After the Supreme Court struck down the Maratha quota in 2021, he participated in agitations at several locations, including a three-month protest in Sasht-Pimpalgaon in Jalna district that drew hundreds of supporters. His current hunger strike began on 29 August, with demands including reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category, implementation of Hyderabad and Satara Gazette records, and issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Maratha community members. The Kunbi community, traditionally engaged in agriculture, is officially classified under the OBC category, making its members eligible for reservation benefits in education and government employment, PTI reported.