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Maratha activist Jarange issues Mumbai protest ultimatum as CM seeks talks

Manoj Jarange, a prominent Maratha community activist, has set a deadline for protests in Mumbai while demanding immediate issuance of Kunbi certificates to eligible community members. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reached out to Jarange in an apparent bid to defuse tensions over the contentious certification issue.

LSN India · 30 August 2026

Jarange has intensified pressure on the state government by announcing a protest deadline in Mumbai, escalating his campaign for the swift issuance of Kunbi certificates to members of the Maratha community. The activist is basing his demands on historical records that he claims substantiate the eligibility of approximately 58 lakh individuals for the certificates, which carry significant implications for reservation and community recognition under state policies.

The Kunbi certificate issue has become a flashpoint in Maharashtra's political landscape, with Jarange maintaining an uncompromising stance on the matter. According to his position, the Maratha community will not extend cooperation on related matters unless the government expedites the certification process based on the historical documentation he has cited.

Fadnavis's intervention through direct outreach to Jarange signals the government's concern about potential mass mobilization in the state capital. The Chief Minister's move suggests an attempt to negotiate a resolution before the activist's protest deadline materializes, reflecting the political sensitivity surrounding Maratha community demands in Maharashtra.

The Kunbi certificate controversy has simmered for years, with various sections of the Maratha community viewing it as crucial for securing benefits and recognition. Jarange's deadline has added urgency to what remains a contentious issue between community leaders and the state administration, with broader implications for Maharashtra's political dynamics.