Protesters Led by Jarange Plan to Amplify their Demonstrations over Quota Issues

In the heart of South Mumbai, the ongoing Maratha reservation agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange enters its fourth day at Azad Maidan. Jarange, who has been advocating for the Maratha community to be granted Kunbi caste certificates to make them eligible for OBC reservation, has announced that he will intensify his protest by refusing to consume water starting Monday.

The crux of Jarange's demand remains unchanged. He insists that all Marathas must be given Kunbi certificates to secure the OBC quota. However, the Supreme Court has previously observed that Marathas and Kunbis are not the same, adding a complex layer to the issue.

Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, who heads a cabinet sub-committee on the Maratha reservation, has been at the forefront of negotiations. He recently held a meeting with other committee members to discuss whether the Hyderabad and Satara gazetteers could be legally implemented to meet the Maratha community's demand. The sub-committee remains open to discussions, with a shared goal of finding a solution.

Vikhe-Patil is scheduled to brief the Chief Minister on the sub-committee's discussions. Meanwhile, the Advocate General and Justice Shinde have requested more time to study the feasibility of applying the Hyderabad and Satara gazetteers as per Jarange's demand.

Jarange's hunger strike was a significant turning point in the agitation, and he played a crucial role in resolving the Maratha reservation agitation by leading the Cabinet Subcommittee to address the quota demand and successfully negotiating with Jarange to end his hunger strike.

The Maratha community's demand for reservation has been a contentious issue in Maharashtra politics. Jarange has accused the government of ignoring the community's demand and threatened that resentment within the Maratha community could lead to the defeat of Mahayuti candidates in both village and municipal elections.

Youth from across Maharashtra are expected to join the protest on Saturday and Sunday, according to Jarange. He declared that once the youth arrive, they will see what happens at Azad Maidan. The Maratha quota activist has also warned that if the Maratha community is not granted reservation under the OBC category, community members from across Maharashtra will join the protest by next weekend.

The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to be shaped by the Maratha quota issue, with the outcome of the agitation likely to have significant implications for the state's political future.

Protesters Led by Jarange Plan to Amplify their Demonstrations over Quota Issues