Full Breakdown
Maratha Activist Ends 20-Day Hunger Strike, Gives Maharashtra Government 90-Day Deadline on Reservation Demands
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Background: Maratha Reservation Campaign and Legal Context
The Maratha community seeks OBC status for jobs and education. A 16 % OBC quota introduced in 2018 was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021 for breaching the 50 % ceiling. Since 2023 activist Manoj Jarange Patil has led fasts and marches demanding “Kunbi” caste certificates that would allow eligible Marathas to claim OBC benefits.
Core Event: End of the 20-Day Fast and 90-Day Ultimatum
On September 17, 2026 Jarange called off his hunger strike at Patoda, Beed, after meeting a state delegation. He warned that if the government does not act within three months, supporters will move to Mumbai for a renewed protest.
Key Demands and Government Response
- Recognition of historic gazette records (Hyderabad, Satara, Aundh) to verify Kunbi lineage.
- Issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas.
- Resolution of the remaining (13th) demand, which faces a legal hurdle.
Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said the state had accepted 12 of the 13 demands and would issue certificates after a written comment from the advocate general. He estimated “three-four months” to address the Kolhapur and Satara gazette issues.
Timeline of Recent Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 29, 2026 | Jarange began an indefinite hunger strike. |
| September 12, 2026 | He stopped IV fluids, reporting severe weakness. |
| September 15, 2026 | Government delegation met him in Jalna. |
| September 17, 2026 | He ended the fast and gave a 90-day ultimatum. |
| September 19 (scheduled) | Planned protest in Mumbai now on hold. |
| September 2, 2025 | Earlier fast ended after six of eight demands were accepted. |
Data & Statistics
- Jarange claims 58 lakh (5.8 million) Kunbi records have been uncovered, potentially supporting reservation claims for ? 2.5 crore Marathas.
- The state sub-committee has prepared a ? 1,600-page report on the relevant gazetteers.
Official Statements & Responses
- Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil: Legal clearance from the advocate general is required before certificates can be issued; the process may take “three-four months.”
- Minister Ashish Jaiswal: The state follows constitutional procedures for caste-certificate issuance and warns against “false rumours” from opposition leaders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am happy that Manoj Jarange called off his hunger strike following our appeal. We have already accepted 12 of his 13 demands. Regarding the remaining demand, we have explained the judicial issues involved.” — CM
- “We won’t stop without getting what we want. We will give the government more time and have been fighting for three years, and we will show trust for three more months,” — Jarange Patil
- “Respecting the request of the State Government, Manoj Jarange Patil has ended his hunger strike,” — MLA Prasad Lad
What’s Next
The 90-day window runs until December 2026. If the government does not deliver the Kunbi certificates and recognize the historic gazette records, Jarange has warned that supporters will mobilise in Mumbai, potentially affecting the Ganesh festival. The state will monitor progress through three representatives nominated by the activist, while the advocate general’s legal opinion remains decisive.