Manoj Jarange's Indefinite Fast for Maratha Reservation: A Fresh Agitation Ignites

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite fast demanding Maratha reservations by recognizing Kunbis as blood relatives of Maratha community members. He threatens to field candidates in all 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra if demands are unmet, aiming for quota benefits under the Other Backward Community (OBC) category.

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has sparked fresh agitation by launching an indefinite fast on Saturday, demanding the implementation of a draft notification to recognize Kunbis as blood relatives of Maratha community members.

Jarange, the face of the Maratha quota agitation, is also calling for a law to officially identify Kunbis as Marathas. He has threatened to field candidates from all 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra in the upcoming state polls if his demands are not met.

Launching the new phase of agitation at his native village, Antarwali Sarati, in Jalna district, Jarange seeks recognition of the Marathas under the OBC category, which would grant them quota benefits. Despite the district administration and police denying permission, Jarange remains steadfast in his demands.

He accuses the state government of attempting to disrupt his protest and calls on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address the Maratha reservation issue.

The activist highlights that 57 lakh documents proving the similarities between Marathas and Kunbis have been received. While he aims for Maratha reservation, Jarange also intends to fight for quota benefits for Dhangar and Muslim communities once his initial goal is achieved. Despite allegations and previous agitations, Jarange remains hopeful that his demands will be fulfilled.