Manoj Jarange Patil begins indefinite hunger strike for Maratha reservation
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil has launched an indefinite hunger strike in Maharashtra to demand the immediate issuance of Kunbi caste certificates for the Maratha community. He is also calling for the abolition of state caste scrutiny committees and the withdrawal of police cases against protesters.
Why it matters
The Maratha reservation issue is a highly sensitive political topic in India that frequently leads to large-scale social unrest and puts significant pressure on state government policy.
Manoj Jarange Patil commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district on Saturday (August 29, 2026), reviving the Maratha reservation agitation with a set of demands directed at the State government.
Addressing media at the protest site, Jarange Patil said the government should not resort to delaying tactics. "The government should not delay action by saying 'we will do it later'. Caste certificates and validity documents must be issued immediately based on the 58 lakh Kunbi records ," Patil stated. He added, "We will not give any additional time to the government. This is the final battle for reservation. Every person should step out of their homes and participate in this fight."
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