Maratha Reservation Leader Launches Hunger Strike Amid Rising Heat

Manoj Jarange, a leader of the Maratha reservation movement, has commenced his ninth indefinite hunger strike in Jalna district, increasing pressure on the state government. Despite the extreme heat, he protests without shade, demanding the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates for OBC benefits and the withdrawal of cases against Maratha protesters. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, a government minister, has attempted to persuade Jarange to end his strike, assuring him that the government is working on a resolution. This ongoing movement highlights the community's struggle for recognition and rights.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2026, 13:31 IST

Maratha Reservation Movement Intensifies

On Saturday, Manoj Jarange, a prominent figure in the Maratha reservation movement, initiated his ninth indefinite hunger strike in Jalna district, intensifying pressure on the state government regarding the reservation issue. As the protest commenced in the village of Antarwali Sarati, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, the chairman of the Maratha reservation cabinet sub-committee, arrived to engage with Jarange in an effort to persuade him to end the strike.

Located nearly 400 kilometers from Mumbai, Jarange began his protest in an open field without any tent or shade, enduring the sweltering heat. He has consistently urged the government not to subject the Maratha community to an 'agni pariksha' or trial by fire. Jarange has vowed to continue the movement until concrete actions are taken regarding their demands.

He reiterated his call for the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to enable members of the Maratha community to benefit from OBC reservation. Additionally, he has demanded the implementation of the Hyderabad and Satara Gazette records and the withdrawal of cases against Maratha protesters involved in the reservation movement.

Jarange has also proposed the establishment of a separate ministry for the Maratha community, similar to the one created for Other Backward Classes (OBC). Upon the start of the protest, Vikhe Patil approached Jarange, requesting him to sit under a shaded area and assured him that the government is working towards resolving the issue.