Activist Launches Indefinite Fast for Maratha Reservation

Activist Manoj Jarange announced an indefinite fast starting September 16 to demand Maratha reservation in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. Despite a 10% reservation bill for Marathas in education and government jobs, Jarange seeks recognition of all Marathas with Kunbi certificates, thus making them eligible for OBC benefits.

Activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday announced the launch of an indefinite fast beginning at midnight on September 16 to push for Maratha reservation demands.

In February, the Maharashtra legislature approved a bill granting a 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs. However, Jarange insists on including Marathas in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category.

Jarange has been at the forefront of protests to secure OBC certificates recognizing all Kunbis (agriculturists) and their "sage soyre" (blood relatives) as Marathas. The agrarian Kunbi group already falls under the OBC category, and Jarange demands that all Marathas receive Kunbi certificates, making them eligible for quota benefits.

Speaking to reporters at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, Jarange announced, "September 17 is Mukti Sangram Din (Marathwada Liberation Day). On that day, we will start an indefinite fast from September 16 midnight for the same demands." He further questioned, "September 17 is the liberation day for Marathwada. When will the Maratha community be liberated?"

Historically, the Marathwada region of Maharashtra was under the Nizam of Hyderabad's rule at the time of India's Independence. Farmers and others revolted, defeated the Nizam's Razakar militia, and successfully merged Marathwada with India on September 17, 1948.

Jarange also accused Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of influencing certain Maratha MLAs to oppose the reservation cause and warned of electoral consequences for leaders against Maratha reservation.

When questioned about a potential alliance with former MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who is considering forming a third front with other leaders ahead of the upcoming state elections, Jarange stated the proposal would be discussed in a meeting.

On Monday, Jarange discussed the Maratha quota demand over the phone with state Minorities Development Minister Abdul Sattar, who conveyed that he had updated Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)