Jarange Threatens Fresh Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota Demands

Mr. Jarange demanded that the State government immediately implement the Satara, Aundh and other gazette notifications, validate already issued caste certificates, and withdraw police cases registered against Maratha protesters during earlier agitations. “The government has not implemented the Satara gazette even eight months after its announcement. We cannot give them more time,” he said, giving the government a deadline of May 29 to distribute Kunbi certificates or face fresh agitation from May 30.

The quota activist reiterated the demand for Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis to enable access to reservation benefits in government jobs and education. He also alleged that welfare schemes for the community were being stalled and accused the Maharashtra government of halting the issuance of Kunbi certificates. He alleged that it is being done at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“Earlier, we used to get caste certificates, but now they have stopped disbursement. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stopped the process. When we asked for certificates according to the Hyderabad gazette, we got a few, but now officials tell us they have been instructed by the government not to issue them,” the activist said.

Mr. Jarange also claimed that financial assistance schemes for the Maratha community were being delayed. “The students of SARTHI are waiting for their scholarships. I have heard that around Rs 1,600 crore to Rs 1,800 crore is pending from the government’s side to be given to SARTHI. We will not let these welfare schemes come to a halt,” he said.

BJP MLA Prasad Lad questioned the timing of Mr. Jarange’s agitation, alleging that the proposed hunger strike was politically motivated. “It is a deliberate attempt to create resentment in the State only against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The protesting leaders should state what their issues are, and a solution will be found within the framework of the law,” he said.

Supporters of Mr. Fadnavis have also alleged that he is being targeted because he is a Brahmin, while maintaining that he has made sincere efforts to resolve the Maratha reservation issue.

Questioning previous Maratha leadership, Mr. Lad said, “In the history of Maharashtra, there have been many powerful Maratha leaders and Chief Ministers until now. Why did they not grant reservation to the Maratha community during their tenure? Why is there an insistence now that everything must happen exactly according to Mr. Jarange’s wishes? The government has to do everything by strictly adhering to the rules.”