Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange Strikes Hunger Over Caste Certificate Impasse

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange declares an indefinite hunger strike starting May 30, urging the Maharashtra government to issue Kunbi caste certificates and to fulfill the community’s demands. He criticizes the state's alleged halts on certificate issuance and calls for a review of policies affecting Maratha and Kunbi communities.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced an indefinite hunger strike starting May 30, accusing the Maharashtra government of failing to meet community demands. He set a May 29 deadline for the distribution of Kunbi caste certificates in Marathwada.

Jarange demands the dissolution of the Maratha quota sub-committee and the creation of a separate ministry for the Maratha and Kunbi communities. State minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who leads the panel, expressed willingness to resign if it would resolve the reservation dispute.

The activist alleges the government halted the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates, citing directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and demands immediate validation of existing certificates. Jarange has rallied community experts to discuss policies affecting Marathas' access to reserved and open category seats.