Manoj Jarange-Patil has announced an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai, starting September 19, demanding Kunbi caste certificates for eligible members of the Maratha community. The activist has been on a hunger strike since August 29 in Jalna district, and his march to Mumbai follows the Bombay High Court's refusal to issue an order against it.
On Saturday, Manoj Jarange-Patil announced that he and his supporters will begin a march from Antarwali Sarati to Mumbai's Azad Maidan on September 19. The objective is to hold an indefinite hunger strike, pressing for the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible members of the Maratha community who form a sub-caste within the Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Jarange-Patil has been on an indefinite hunger strike in Jalna district since August 29, demanding these certificates. This march to Mumbai comes after the Bombay High Court refused to issue an order against it, stating that 'how can we stop someone from agitating or protesting?' The petitioner, Nilesh Dhanukar, had sought directions against the proposed march, citing concerns about potential chaos during the Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. However, the court refused such orders based on apprehensions and speculations.
Jarange-Patil's demands for Kunbi caste certificates stem from his long-standing campaign for reservations in education and government jobs for the Maratha community under the OBC category. This movement has been marked by protests, violence, suicides, and legislator resignations.
In February 2024, the Maharashtra legislature passed a bill allowing for the creation of a 10% quota in education and government jobs for the Marathas under the OBC category. This would be in addition to the state’s 52% reservation quota, which includes a 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Section.
However, it is important to note that the introduction of the 10% quota has been subject to legal challenges. In 2021, the Supreme Court blocked a similar decision by the state government, citing the 50% cap on a state’s total reservations.
Source:
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