Maratha quota activist renews hunger strike, sets September 12 deadline

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra's Jalna district on Wednesday, intensifying pressure on the state government to grant Kunbi OBC certificates to Maratha community members. The activist has set September 12 as a deadline for the Maharashtra administration to process certificates based on 58 lakh historical records, warning of a major escalation if the demand remains unmet.

Jarange Patil's renewed agitation comes as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis indicated the government's willingness to engage in dialogue on the contentious issue. The Maratha quota movement has emerged as a significant political and social concern in Maharashtra, with the activist gaining substantial grassroots support across rural areas of the state.

The demand for Kunbi OBC certificates has been a longstanding point of contention, with the activist arguing that historical records substantiate the Maratha community's claims for backward class status. If the September 12 deadline passes without resolution, Jarange Patil has announced plans to march protests directly to Mumbai, potentially widening the movement's scope and impact.

The government's stated openness to talks suggests potential for negotiation, though the specific terms and timeline for any dialogue remain unclear. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between various communities and caste-based reservations policies in Maharashtra.