Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil began an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Friday, demanding that the Maharashtra government officially recognise all members of the Maratha community as Kunbis, thereby making them eligible to avail benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation quota. Responding to the agitation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that his government remained firmly committed to addressing the concerns of the Maratha community, but clarified that any resolution would have to be found within the framework of the law and the Constitution.
Jarange, who commenced his fast in the presence of thousands of supporters who had gathered in South Mumbai, vowed not to end his protest until the state fulfilled the community’s demands. The influx of protestors into the city created major traffic disruptions, with several areas experiencing gridlock as people marched in large numbers toward Azad Maidan.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Fadnavis noted the scale of the protest. “Today, large numbers of protestors have come to Mumbai at the call of Manoj Jarange Patil. The government is extending cooperation, and the agitation is proceeding democratically,” he said. However, he cautioned that while the demonstrations were largely peaceful, road blockades had occurred in some areas and there were chances of miscreants attempting to disrupt the movement. Fadnavis stressed that the issue of Maratha reservation was already being pursued as per the procedures and rules laid down by the Bombay High Court.
Seeking to defuse tensions, the Chief Minister underlined his government’s priority of preventing social discord. “Our administration is working to ensure that two communities do not end up confronting each other. No injustice will be permitted to any section of society,” he stated.
Defending his government’s record, Fadnavis pointed out that multiple steps had already been taken in support of the Marathas. “From providing reservation benefits, generating employment opportunities, to setting up dedicated corporations, we have consistently worked for the welfare of the Maratha community and will continue to do so,” he said. He reminded that the state had already implemented a 10 percent quota for Marathas in education and government jobs, with recruitment processes currently in motion under this category.
At the same time, Fadnavis warned the Opposition against attempting to exploit the protest for political gain. “I have observed statements from certain individuals that appear designed to provoke and inflame the agitation. My advice to them is simple — such actions will backfire and cause harm to themselves. The solution lies in constructive dialogue, not in misleading the people,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister informed that the state had already constituted a cabinet sub-committee under the leadership of senior minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil to examine Jarange’s demands in detail and chart out a legally sustainable path forward. “The committee will work toward finding a solution within the legal and constitutional framework,” Fadnavis assured.
Jarange, however, adopted an uncompromising stance, declaring his readiness to sacrifice his life for the cause. “I am prepared to die, but will not withdraw this time. We have come to Mumbai with determination and will not leave until our demands are accepted,” he asserted. He once again called upon the government to grant Kunbi certificates to all Marathas, a move that would allow the entire community to secure OBC reservation benefits in jobs and education.
