Fresh political tension is building in Maharashtra after Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil warned the state government of another large-scale agitation over pending quota-related demands. The activist announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike from May 30 if the government fails to act before May 28.
The latest warning has put additional pressure on the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which has been attempting to prevent a revival of the massive Maratha reservation protests that shook the state last year.
Government Under Pressure Over Pending Promises
Jarange-Patil claimed that several assurances made by the government after earlier protests have not been implemented properly at the ground level. According to him, delays in issuing Kunbi certificates and caste validity documents are continuing to affect thousands of Maratha applicants, particularly students seeking admissions and candidates applying for government jobs.
He alleged that district-level officials were slowing down the process despite earlier government resolutions aimed at recognising historical Hyderabad Gazette records linked to Kunbi status.
The activist also accused authorities of failing to withdraw police cases filed against Maratha protesters during earlier demonstrations.
Jalna Meeting Signals Political Concern
The renewed warning comes shortly after a key meeting in Jalna between Jarange-Patil and BJP MLC Prasad Lad, who is considered close to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The meeting is being viewed as an attempt by the government to avoid another statewide agitation that could create political instability ahead of upcoming electoral calculations in Maharashtra.
After the discussion, Prasad Lad expressed confidence that the government would address the community’s concerns and claimed the present administration had taken several steps for the Maratha community.
Key Demands Raised by Jarange-Patil
Jarange-Patil reiterated multiple demands during his latest statement, including:
- Immediate issuance of Kunbi certificates to eligible Maratha families
- Faster approval of caste validity certificates
- Withdrawal of cases registered against protesters
- Restoration of stalled SARTHI welfare schemes
- Government employment support for families of deceased protesters
- Extension of the Sandeep Shinde Committee investigating Kunbi records
He warned that lakhs of students could face uncertainty if caste validity approvals continue to get delayed during the admission season.
Hunger Strike Threat Remains Active
Although talks with the government are ongoing, Jarange-Patil clarified that preparations for the May 30 protest have only been temporarily paused and not cancelled.
He stated that if no concrete roadmap is presented by May 28, he would begin his hunger strike from Antarwali Sarati, the village that became the symbolic centre of the Maratha quota movement.
The possible return of the agitation is emerging as a significant political challenge for the Maharashtra government at a time when the state is already facing public concerns over inflation, fuel price hikes and competitive examination controversies.
