**Maratha Quota Activist Continues Hunger Strike Amidst Protests**
In a significant development, talks between Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil and a state government delegation concluded without resolution on Saturday. Patil remains steadfast in his hunger strike at Azad Maidan, demanding recognition of the Maratha community as Kunbis to qualify for reservations under the OBC category. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that the protesters’ demands will be addressed within the legal and constitutional framework as the agitation enters its second day.
A recent court ruling has limited the protest to 5,000 participants for a single day, a condition that Patil has challenged, further escalating the political tension in Maharashtra. On Monday, the tenure of the Justice Sandeep Shinde Committee was extended by six months to explore the possibility of granting Kunbi certificates to Marathas based on historical records from the Hyderabad Gazette.
Jarange, who initiated his protest on Friday, criticized Fadnavis for appointing retired Justice Sandeep Shinde for discussions, stating, “It is not the job of Justice Shinde to issue a Government Resolution announcing a grant of reservation to Marathas,” labeling the action as an “insult to the government, Raj Bhavan, and the state.” He emphasized the need for Marathas in Marathwada to be recognized as Kunbis, referencing historical gazettes from Hyderabad and Satara.
Justice Shinde clarified that he lacks the authority to make such recommendations, noting that caste certificates are issued to individuals rather than entire communities. He emphasized that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the backward class commission. Fadnavis reiterated that his government is committed to addressing the issue within the legal framework, highlighting that the 10 percent quota for Marathas under the Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) category, established last year, remains in effect.
Meanwhile, thousands of supporters rallied across the city, with significant protests occurring outside the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) office, opposite the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Traffic congestion was reported in and around Mumbai as Maratha reservation protesters marched towards the city, blocking roads in South Mumbai.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked, “If Jarange Patil’s protest in Mumbai has been extended by one day, it is not a favor. The Chief Minister and the entire cabinet should engage directly with Jarange Patil.” NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar asserted that only a constitutional amendment could provide a lasting solution to the quota demands.
Jarange reiterated that this agitation represents the community’s “final fight” for reservation, underscoring the urgency and significance of their demands.
**FAQ**
**What are the demands of the Maratha quota activists?**
The Maratha quota activists, led by Manoj Jarange Patil, are demanding recognition of the Maratha community as Kunbis to qualify for reservations under the OBC category, which they believe is essential for their socio-economic upliftment.
