Manoj Jarange Ends 20-Day Hunger Strike, Sets Three-Month Deadline for Maratha Quota

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil ended his 20-day hunger strike on Thursday, granting the Maharashtra government a three-month window to address his demands for the inclusion of Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. The decision followed a meeting in Patoda, Beed district, between Jarange and a government delegation that included ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Dada Bhuse, along with senior officials.

Jarange, who had been fasting since August 29, announced the suspension of his protest after his physical condition deteriorated during a planned march toward Mumbai. He urged his supporters to return home, warning that he would resume the agitation and march to Mumbai if the government failed to fulfill its commitments within the three-month deadline.

At the heart of the protest is Jarange's demand for the official recognition of historical administrative records, specifically the Hyderabad, Satara, and Aundh gazettes. He contends that these documents are essential for Marathas to prove Kunbi lineage, which would allow them to claim reservation benefits under the OBC category. The activist has insisted that the state government issue an official gazette acknowledging these records and provide a written assurance that no Kunbi records will be ignored, with a signature from the Chief Minister.

During the negotiations, Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil informed Jarange that the government has initiated the necessary processes but noted that acting on the Kolhapur and Satara gazettes would require three to four months, pending comments from the advocate general. The minister suggested that Jarange appoint three representatives to monitor the progress of these administrative steps.

The agitation had faced significant friction with the state government, particularly regarding its timing during the Ganesh festival. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had previously questioned the timing of the march and warned against intimidating tactics, while the Mumbai Police had denied permission for the protest to be held at Azad Maidan, citing law and order concerns. Jarange, in turn, criticized the Chief Minister, accusing him of political maneuvering and alleging threats to his safety.

This latest development follows a similar protest last year, which concluded on September 2, 2025, after the government accepted six of Jarange's eight demands and initiated steps toward issuing Kunbi classification certificates. The current three-month ultimatum serves as a procedural pause, with the activist maintaining that he will mobilize his supporters to Mumbai if the government reneges on its assurances.