Activist Manoj Jarange Plans Indefinite Fast Over Maratha Reservation Demand

Activist Manoj Jarange has announced an indefinite fast starting from midnight on September 16 to press for the Maratha reservation demand. He insists on including Marathas in the OBC category, thus making them eligible for quota benefits. The fast coincides with Marathwada Liberation Day, observed on September 17.

Activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday announced an indefinite fast beginning at midnight on September 16 to advocate for Maratha reservation.

In February, a bill was passed by the Maharashtra legislature providing 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs. However, Jarange insists on including Marathas under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category.

Leading protests, Jarange demands OBC certificates for all Kunbis (agriculturists) and their blood relatives, recognizing them as Marathas. The Kunbi group currently falls under the OBC category. Jarange urges issuing Kunbi certificates to all Marathas to make them eligible for quota benefits.

Addressing reporters in Antarwali Sarati village, Jalna district, Jarange stated, "September 17 is Mukti Sangram Din (Marathwada Liberation Day). On this day, we will start an indefinite fast demanding reservation and will sit on the indefinite fast from September 16 midnight. When will the Maratha community be liberated?"

Marathwada was under the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad during India's Independence. On September 17, 1948, farmers and others revolted, defeating the Nizam's Razakar militia to merge Marathwada with India.

Jarange recently conversed with state Minorities Development Minister Abdul Sattar about the Maratha quota demand. Sattar informed Jarange that he had communicated the issue to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

(With inputs from agencies.)