Manoj Jarange Patil to launch hunger strike over Maratha reservation

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil is set to begin his 11th indefinite hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati, Jalna district, starting August 29. The protest aims to pressure the Maharashtra state government to expedite the issuance of Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates to members of the Maratha community based on historical records, such as the Hyderabad Gazette.

Jarange Patil has issued an ultimatum, warning that if the government fails to take concrete action, the movement will escalate into a massive march toward Mumbai, specifically targeting the Chief Minister’s official residence. He has urged the community to mobilize in large numbers, particularly those whose certificate applications were rejected or whose records have been verified but not processed.

The activist has criticized senior state leaders, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Cabinet Sub-Committee Chairman Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, accusing the administration of undermining progress and failing to honor previous commitments regarding the 58 lakh verified Kunbi records.