Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil begins ‘decisive’ fast, targets Devendra Fadnavis

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil commenced a fast-unto-death in Jalna district on Saturday, criticizing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for their inadequate response to the Maratha community's demands. This marks the eleventh fast Jarange-Patil has undertaken in the past three years, primarily advocating for the issuance of OBC certificates for 58 lakh Kunbi record holders.

The activist termed this as the decisive action required to secure reservation for the community. Should their demands remain unmet, Jarange-Patil threatened to march to Mumbai to protest. His call came following the state government's decision to extend the verification period for Kunbi records and genealogies by another year, stipulating that taluka-level committees must resolve pending cases by June 30, 2027.

Besides, Jarange-Patil is demanding the withdrawal of all police cases against Maratha protesters across the state and the issuance of Official Government Resolutions concerning the Satara, Kolhapur, Aundh, and Bombay Gazettes. He urged political leaders to join the protest, declaring his willingness to risk his life for the future of Maratha children.

Maratha community members from different districts have been flocking to the protest site, bringing revenue documents and other records to address their issues in obtaining Kunbi certificates and Caste Validity Certificates. They claimed that officials are deliberately delaying the process of issuing Kunbi caste certificates. Jarange-Patil accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of failing to address the Maratha community's demands, forcing him to resort to this fast unto death.

He also criticized Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, warning that ministers should not underestimate the Maratha community's anger or risk their political futures. The activist advised the Chief Minister and Vikhe-Patil to interact directly with tahsildars, sub-divisional magistrates, and Caste Verification officers, rather than relying solely on district collectors.

Meanwhile, advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte, known for opposing the Maratha quota, urged the government to stop the activist from undertaking the fast, alleging that Jarange's fast is politically motivated due to the Chief Minister's non-Maratha background.