Manoj Jarange begins indefinite hunger strike over Maratha quota demands
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on Saturday.
Jarange accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of holding a “grudge” against the Maratha community. He also alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was supporting Fadnavis indirectly.
Before starting his fast, Jarange said the government must address all pending demands related to Maratha reservation. He also demanded that the caste verification committee be abolished.
Jarange warned that he would march to Varsha Bungalow, the Chief Minister's official residence in Mumbai, if the government failed to resolve the issues. “If the government team comes to talk, we will talk to them. But this is my final agitation... I will not get up till all the issues are resolved,” he said. Jarange has been leading protests seeking recognition of eligible Marathas as Kunbis.
Kunbis are an agrarian community covered under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. They are eligible for reservation in education and government jobs. Jarange has held nine hunger strikes since August-September 2023 over the demand for Maratha reservation under the OBC category.
He also accused the state government of creating hurdles for Maratha youth. “This government does not want the Maratha community to grow,” he said.
Jarange said historical records supporting claims by Marathas had been found. However, he alleged that officials were still preventing eligible people from obtaining certificates.
He also claimed that valid applications were being rejected despite matching documentary evidence.
Jarange questioned the need for a separate caste verification committee in Maharashtra.
“The government is trying to deny us certificates by rejecting documentary evidence even when it matches. There should be no caste verification process in the state,” he said.
He argued that Tehsildars and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have such powers in other states “Why do we need a separate verification committee here? The law must be uniform,” he said.
Jarange said the agitation was aimed at securing better opportunities for Maratha youth and preventing similar difficulties for future generations. (with inputs from PTI)
