Manoj Jarange Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike in Jalna Over Maratha Quota Demands

Quota activist Manoj Jarange launched an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, demanding that the Maharashtra government immediately issue caste certificates to the Maratha community based on 58 lakh previously identified Kunbi records.

Speaking to reporters, Jarange warned that this would be his final agitation and asserted that the community will not grant the government any further time. He accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of holding a grudge against the Maratha community and claimed Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was quietly supporting him.

Jarange also threatened to lead a march to the Chief Minister's residence in Mumbai if the administration fails to address the pending reservation issues. He demanded the complete elimination of the caste verification committee.

In addition to the Kunbi certificates, Jarange urged the state government to implement reservations based on the Satara Gazette, withdraw all police cases filed against quota protesters across Maharashtra, and provide government jobs and financial compensation to the families of those who died during earlier agitations.

The activist outlined further demands, including the establishment of a dedicated state portfolio for the Maratha and Kunbi communities with immediate staff appointments, the disbursal of interest on loans issued through the Annasaheb Patil Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, the release of pending SARTHI student scholarships, and the immediate distribution of appointment letters to candidates selected under the SEBC and EBC quotas.