Maratha quota activist escalates pressure on Maharashtra over Kunbi certificates

Activist Manoj Jarange maintained a hardline stance on Tuesday as demonstrations continued in Jalna district, refusing to soften his position on the issuance of Kunbi certificates to members of the Maratha community. Jarange's demand centres on official recognition through these certificates, which would facilitate Marathas' eligibility for reservation benefits under the quota system.

The second day of the agitation saw tensions mounting in the region as Jarange signalled his intent to escalate the movement. He warned that the Maharashtra government would face larger-scale protests, including a march to the state capital Mumbai, if immediate steps were not taken to address the Kunbi certificate issue.

The Kunbi certificate carries significant implications for quota reservations in education and employment. Marathas, India's largest agricultural community in Maharashtra, have long sought official classification that would grant them access to reservation quotas, a demand that has periodically reignited protests across the state.

The Maharashtra government has not yet issued a formal response to Jarange's latest demands. The state's handling of the Maratha quota issue has remained contentious, with previous attempts at legislative solutions facing legal challenges. Officials have typically called for dialogue with protesting groups, though no scheduled talks between Jarange and government representatives have been announced.