Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange begins fast over kunbi certificates
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has launched his 11th hunger strike to demand Kunbi caste certificates for all 58 lakh applicants. While the government claims most certificates have been issued, Jarange disputes the figures and the rejection of certain applications.
Why it matters
The issue of caste-based reservations remains a highly sensitive and volatile political topic in Maharashtra, impacting state stability.
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange commenced his 11th hunger strike on Saturday (August 29 2026) at Antarwali Sarati in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, pressing for the issuance of Kunbi certificates to all 58 lakh applicants whose records were verified, including those whose applications were rejected during the caste scrutiny process.
Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil arrived in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Friday (August 28) for discussions with the activist. The minister held a meeting with officials before the proposed fast.
Vikhe Patil stated that only 0.3% of the applications have been rejected. “The government has issued certificates to those who applied, he claimed.”
The minister said applicants who possess documents as per the government's regulations should submit their applications to district collectors within the next eight days. “The administration will process these applications on priority,” he added.
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