Manoj Jarange Patil, the face of Maharashtra’s Maratha reservation movement, is once again at the centre of a major political and law-and-order controversy.&nbsp;Jarange has announced a march towards Mumbai and plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan over his demand for reservation benefits for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.&nbsp;The proposed mobilisation comes during Ganeshotsav, when Mumbai is already witnessing large crowds and heightened security, putting the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police on alert.&nbsp;Mumbai Police has however, denied him permission to protest on 19th September in Mumbai.<h2>Who is Manoj Jarange Patil?</h2>Manoj Jarange Patil is a Maratha activist from Maharashtra's Jalna district. He has been associated with the Maratha reservation movement for more than a decade and has emerged as its most prominent face in recent years.&nbsp;Jarange became a major political figure in 2023 when he began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, demanding reservation for Marathas.&nbsp;His agitation gained statewide attention after a confrontation between police and protesters on September 1, 2023, when police used tear gas and resorted to a lathicharge. The incident triggered widespread protests and transformed Jarange into the most recognisable face of the Maratha quota movement.&nbsp;Since then, he has held multiple hunger strikes and negotiations with successive Maharashtra governments.<h2>Why do Marathas want reservation?</h2>The Maratha community is one of Maharashtra's largest communities and has traditionally had a significant presence in agriculture, politics and public life.&nbsp;However, sections of the community argue that they are facing growing economic distress, unemployment, declining agricultural incomes and difficulties accessing higher education and government employment.

Maharashtra introduced a separate reservation for Marathas in 2018 under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes category. The quota was initially 16 per cent. But in 2021, the Supreme Court struck down the Maratha reservation law, saying the circumstances did not justify breaching the 50 per cent reservation ceiling.This legal setback is at the heart of the current agitation.<h2>What is the Kunbi certificate demand?</h2>Jarange's current demand is closely linked to the Kunbi community. Kunbis are classified as OBCs and are therefore entitled to reservation benefits under the existing OBC quota. Jarange argues that historical records show that sections of the Maratha community have Kunbi ancestry. He wants eligible Marathas to be issued Kunbi caste certificates, allowing them to access OBC reservation benefits. The movement has referred to historical documents, including records from the Hyderabad Nizam era and the Satara Gazette. Jarange is also demanding implementation of the government's decisions concerning 'Sage Soyare', under which eligible blood relatives of people recognised as Kunbis could also potentially obtain Kunbi certificates. The government says it has already taken several steps, including identifying historical records and issuing Kunbi certificates. But Jarange maintains that the implementation is inadequate.<h2>Why is Jarange fasting again?</h2>Jarange began his latest indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati on August 29, describing it as another phase of his campaign for Maratha reservation. His demands include issuing Kunbi certificates to eligible Marathas, implementing historical records, withdrawing cases registered against Maratha protesters and providing assistance or jobs to families of people who died during earlier reservation agitations. He had given the government a deadline to act on his demands. After talks failed to produce the breakthrough he wanted, Jarange announced that the agitation would now move to Mumbai.<h2>Why is the Mumbai protest controversial?</h2>Jarange has called on Maratha supporters from across Maharashtra to travel to Mumbai. The proposed march is particularly sensitive because it coincides with Ganeshotsav, one of Mumbai's biggest annual festivals. Authorities are concerned about traffic management, security and the impact of a large political mobilisation during a period when lakhs of people are already on the streets. The Maharashtra government has urged Jarange to reconsider holding the protest in Mumbai during the festival. Jarange, however, has maintained that the agitation will be peaceful and democratic. He has asked his supporters to maintain discipline while insisting that he will not back down from his demands.<h2>Mumbai Police deny permission</h2>The confrontation escalated further after Mumbai Police denied permission for Jarange's proposed protest. Authorities have cited concerns relating to public order and the management of large gatherings and processions during Ganeshotsav. Jarange has rejected the decision and reiterated that he intends to reach Mumbai and sit on an indefinite fast at Azad Maidan. The issue has also reached the Bombay High Court, which has not barred Jarange from coming to Mumbai, while authorities retain the power to take lawful measures to maintain public order.<h2>Jarange alleges a conspiracy</h2>The agitation has taken another serious turn after Jarange alleged that there was a conspiracy to shoot him during the proposed Mumbai march. Jarange has claimed that attempts are being made to disrupt his mobilisation and has said he is prepared to face death but will not surrender his demand. These are allegations made by Jarange and have not been independently established. The controversy has also triggered political accusations, with opposition leaders accusing the Maharashtra government of mishandling the situation. The government, meanwhile, maintains that it has to balance the Maratha community's demands with the legal rights of existing OBC beneficiaries.<h2>Why does the Maratha quota issue matter politically?</h2>The Maratha reservation issue is far bigger than one activist or one hunger strike.Jarange does not hold elected office, but his ability to mobilise large sections of the Maratha community has given him considerable political influence in Maharashtra. The government faces a difficult balancing act: it must respond to a longstanding demand from a politically influential community while ensuring that any reservation decision survives judicial scrutiny. At the same time, OBC organisations have raised concerns that extending Kunbi certificates to large numbers of Marathas could increase competition for benefits within the existing OBC quota.That is the core of the controversy. Jarange wants eligible Marathas to receive OBC benefits through the Kunbi route based on historical records. The government says it has already taken steps but must operate within the constitutional and legal framework. With Jarange now planning a march to Mumbai during Ganeshotsav, the Maratha quota dispute has once again become one of Maharashtra's biggest political, legal and law-and-order challenges.

Jarange became a major political figure in 2023 when he began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, demanding reservation for Marathas.

Manoj Jarange Patil, the face of Maharashtra’s Maratha reservation movement, is once again at the centre of a major political and law-and-order controversy. Jarange has announced a march towards Mumbai and plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan over his demand for reservation benefits for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The proposed mobilisation comes during Ganeshotsav, when Mumbai is already witnessing large crowds and heightened security, putting the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police on alert. Mumbai Police has however, denied him permission to protest on 19th September in Mumbai. Who is Manoj Jarange Patil? Manoj Jarange Patil is a Maratha activist from Maharashtra's Jalna district. He has been associated with the Maratha reservation movement for more than a decade and has emerged as its most prominent face in recent years. Jarange became a major political figure in 2023 when he began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, demanding reservation for Marathas. His agitation gained statewide attention after a confrontation between police and protesters on September 1, 2023, when police used tear gas and resorted to a lathicharge. The incident triggered widespread protests and transformed Jarange into the most recognisable face of the Maratha quota movement. Since then, he has held multiple hunger strikes and negotiations with successive Maharashtra governments. Why do Marathas want reservation? The Maratha community is one of Maharashtra's largest communities and has traditionally had a significant presence in agriculture, politics and public life. However, sections of the community argue that they are facing growing economic distress, unemployment, declining agricultural incomes and difficulties accessing higher education and government employment.

Jarange became a major political figure in 2023 when he began an indefinite hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna, demanding reservation for Marathas.

Who is Manoj Jarange Patil? Why is he fasting and what is the Maratha quota controversy?

Wherever you hear slogans like "Ek Maratha, lakh Maratha", "Chalo Mumbai", "Manoj Dada... aage bado, hum tumhare saath hai", or "Patil, Patil, Patil", one name immediately comes to mind: Manoj Jarange Patil. Recently, on Tuesday (Sep 2), this well-known Maratha quota activist called off his five-day-long protest. He did so after the government agreed to issue an official Government Resolution (GR) confirming that Marathas from the Marathwada region will get Kunbi caste certificates through the Hyderabad Gazette. This move brings them one step closer to being included in the OBC reservation category. But let's know the man who made this possible.<h2>Who is Manoj Jarange Patil?</h2>Manoj Jarange Patil hails from Matori village in Beed district but currently lives in Ankush Nagar, Jalna, with his parents, wife, three brothers and four children. He is a Class 12 dropout and comes from a humble farming background. He once owned four acres of ancestral farmland but had to sell two acres to support his activism. Before gaining recognition, he worked in hotels, sugar mills and farms to make ends meet.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-we-have-won-maratha-activist-manoj-jarange-to-end-5-day-hunger-strike-after-state-govt-agrees-to-key-demands-1756814785414">‘We have won’: Maratha activist Manoj Jarange agrees to end 5-day hunger strike after state govt agrees to key demands</a><h2>How he became the face of the Maratha Quota movement</h2>The Maratha reservation demand is not new; it dates back to the 1980s. But it gained major attention after the 2016 Kopardi rape-murder case, which triggered mass protests across the state. In 2017, one of the largest marches was held in Mumbai. These protests were peaceful, faceless, and without any leader. That scenario changed in August 2023, when Jarange Patil came into the spotlight after a lathi charge in Antarwali Sarathi, Jalna. Since then, he has led the movement under his group, Shivba Sangathana, and become a symbol of Maratha pride and unity.<h2>A movement that shook politics</h2>Jarange Patil’s campaign had a big political impact. It affected the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and a biopic about him, Sangarsh Yoddha Manoj Jarange Patil, was released in 2024. Today, he continues to demand that Marathas get a 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and education institutions.&nbsp;In nearly two years, Manoj Jarange Patil has become the voice of the entire Maratha community.

Manoj Jarange Patil, a farmer-turned-activist from Maharashtra, has become the face of the Maratha reservation movement. From humble beginnings to leading statewide protests, he’s now a key voice demanding OBC status for Marathas.

Wherever you hear slogans like "Ek Maratha, lakh Maratha", "Chalo Mumbai", "Manoj Dada... aage bado, hum tumhare saath hai", or "Patil, Patil, Patil", one name immediately comes to mind: Manoj Jarange Patil. Recently, on Tuesday (Sep 2), this well-known Maratha quota activist called off his five-day-long protest. He did so after the government agreed to issue an official Government Resolution (GR) confirming that Marathas from the Marathwada region will get Kunbi caste certificates through the Hyderabad Gazette. This move brings them one step closer to being included in the OBC reservation category. But let's know the man who made this possible. Who is Manoj Jarange Patil? Manoj Jarange Patil hails from Matori village in Beed district but currently lives in Ankush Nagar, Jalna, with his parents, wife, three brothers and four children. He is a Class 12 dropout and comes from a humble farming background. He once owned four acres of ancestral farmland but had to sell two acres to support his activism. Before gaining recognition, he worked in hotels, sugar mills and farms to make ends meet. Also read | ‘We have won’: Maratha activist Manoj Jarange agrees to end 5-day hunger strike after state govt agrees to key demands How he became the face of the Maratha Quota movement The Maratha reservation demand is not new; it dates back to the 1980s. But it gained major attention after the 2016 Kopardi rape-murder case, which triggered mass protests across the state. In 2017, one of the largest marches was held in Mumbai. These protests were peaceful, faceless, and without any leader. That scenario changed in August 2023, when Jarange Patil came into the spotlight after a lathi charge in Antarwali Sarathi, Jalna. Since then, he has led the movement under his group, Shivba Sangathana, and become a symbol of Maratha pride and unity. A movement that shook politics Jarange Patil’s campaign had a big political impact. It affected the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and a biopic about him, Sangarsh Yoddha Manoj Jarange Patil, was released in 2024. Today, he continues to demand that Marathas get a 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and education institutions. In nearly two years, Manoj Jarange Patil has become the voice of the entire Maratha community.

Manoj Jarange Patil, a farmer-turned-activist from Maharashtra, has become the face of the Maratha reservation movement. From humble beginnings to leading statewide protests, he’s now a key voice demanding OBC status for Marathas.

Who is Manoj Jarange Patil? The man behind the Maratha protest wave

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday (Sep 2) agreed to end his indefinite hunger strike on the fifth day after reaching a breakthrough following talks with the Maharashtra government on two key demands. Jarange had been protesting since August 29 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, seeking a 10 per cent quota for the Maratha community in government jobs and educational institutions.Jarange said that their key demands, according to Kunbi status, an OBC caste, to the Maratha community had been agreed upon by the government. He added that his supporters would vacate Mumbai once the government issued a resolution.The activist also said that the government has promised to withdraw cases filed against protesters by the end of this month. The government will also pay compensation and provide government jobs to the families of Maratha quota stir victims, who lost their lives during the protests.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-even-if-i-die-i-won-t-leave-maratha-quota-activist-manoj-jarange-as-police-ask-protesters-to-vacate-1756809210968">'Even if I die, I won’t leave': Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange as police ask protesters to vacate</a>“We have won,” Jarange told his supporters following the meeting with the Cabinet sub-committee led by Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.The committee also informed Jarange that legal options were being analysed to issue a GR. Although the process to issue a resolution may take two months.About 4,000 people took part in the demonstrations, which resulted in massive congestion in South Mumbai. The matter reached the Bombay High Court, which ordered the protest site to be vacated by 3 pm on Tuesday, saying the Maratha quota stir had “literally paralysed” the city.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-under-boiling-over-derogatory-remarks-against-a-12th-century-saint-who-was-ambigara-chowdaiah-1756809322988">Karnataka on the boil over derogatory remarks against 12th-century saint. Who was Ambigara Chowdaiah?</a>Tuesday morning, the police pushed to vacate the site, leading to a tense standoff with protestors as they resisted. Later, the Bombay High Court allowed Jarange to stay at Azad Maidan until the morning of September 3.

The government will also pay compensation and provide government jobs to the families of Maratha quota stir victims, who lost their lives during the protests.

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday (Sep 2) agreed to end his indefinite hunger strike on the fifth day after reaching a breakthrough following talks with the Maharashtra government on two key demands. Jarange had been protesting since August 29 at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, seeking a 10 per cent quota for the Maratha community in government jobs and educational institutions. Jarange said that their key demands, according to Kunbi status, an OBC caste, to the Maratha community had been agreed upon by the government. He added that his supporters would vacate Mumbai once the government issued a resolution. The activist also said that the government has promised to withdraw cases filed against protesters by the end of this month. The government will also pay compensation and provide government jobs to the families of Maratha quota stir victims, who lost their lives during the protests. Also read | 'Even if I die, I won’t leave': Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange as police ask protesters to vacate “We have won,” Jarange told his supporters following the meeting with the Cabinet sub-committee led by Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. The committee also informed Jarange that legal options were being analysed to issue a GR. Although the process to issue a resolution may take two months. About 4,000 people took part in the demonstrations, which resulted in massive congestion in South Mumbai. The matter reached the Bombay High Court, which ordered the protest site to be vacated by 3 pm on Tuesday, saying the Maratha quota stir had “literally paralysed” the city. Also read | Karnataka on the boil over derogatory remarks against 12th-century saint. Who was Ambigara Chowdaiah? Tuesday morning, the police pushed to vacate the site, leading to a tense standoff with protestors as they resisted. Later, the Bombay High Court allowed Jarange to stay at Azad Maidan until the morning of September 3.

The government will also pay compensation and provide government jobs to the families of Maratha quota stir victims, who lost their lives during the protests.

‘We have won’: Maratha activist Manoj Jarange agrees to end 5-day hunger strike after state govt agrees to key demands

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Tuesday declared that he won’t leave Mumbai's Azad Maidan "even if he dies", after the Police served a notice directing all protesters to vacate the site. Authorities cited violations of the interim order that had set conditions for the agitation.&nbsp;The Maratha quota protest has entered its fifth day on Tuesday, triggering strong reactions from the Bombay High Court, ordering his supporters to empty all streets in the city by noon.&nbsp;Patil said he was open to dialogue with the Maharashtra government, but insisted that quota demand must be met. He urged supporters to remain peaceful. The notice followed a Bombay High Court order instructing protesters to clear Mumbai’s streets by noon, noting the city was “literally paralysed” by the stir, PTI reported.&nbsp;“Even if I die, I’ll not leave Mumbai till demands are met,” he said once again. However, he directed his supporters to follow court orders and not to make trouble for the people of Mumbai. “You travel by public transport. Don’t bring vehicles. Even if I die, don’t resort to violence. Follow the path of peace for our demands,” he added.<h3>Jarange Patil directed supporters to clear roads</h3>Jarange Patil has also issued his instructions directing his supporters to leave Mumbai with vehicles and clear the roads in front of CSMT station and the BMC building. After his order, several vehicles began moving from the areas, as per the Indian Express report.&nbsp;Meanwhile, intensifying the protests, Patil was seen taking some sips in the evening while addressing his supporters after the HC directives, as he stopped drinking water on Monday. The HC posted the matter for further hearing on Tuesday and stated that if the health of the Jarange worsens, the government shall provide medical assistance to him.&nbsp;In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that his administration will implement the directives of the high court on the Maratha quota protest and added that the Mahayuti government is opting on finding legal options to resolve the protest.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil said he was open to dialogue with the Maharashtra government, but insisted that quota demand must be met. Meanwhile, he urged supporters to remain peaceful. 

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Tuesday declared that he won’t leave Mumbai's Azad Maidan "even if he dies", after the Police served a notice directing all protesters to vacate the site. Authorities cited violations of the interim order that had set conditions for the agitation. The Maratha quota protest has entered its fifth day on Tuesday, triggering strong reactions from the Bombay High Court, ordering his supporters to empty all streets in the city by noon. Patil said he was open to dialogue with the Maharashtra government, but insisted that quota demand must be met. He urged supporters to remain peaceful. The notice followed a Bombay High Court order instructing protesters to clear Mumbai’s streets by noon, noting the city was “literally paralysed” by the stir, PTI reported. “Even if I die, I’ll not leave Mumbai till demands are met,” he said once again. However, he directed his supporters to follow court orders and not to make trouble for the people of Mumbai. “You travel by public transport. Don’t bring vehicles. Even if I die, don’t resort to violence. Follow the path of peace for our demands,” he added. Jarange Patil directed supporters to clear roads Jarange Patil has also issued his instructions directing his supporters to leave Mumbai with vehicles and clear the roads in front of CSMT station and the BMC building. After his order, several vehicles began moving from the areas, as per the Indian Express report. Meanwhile, intensifying the protests, Patil was seen taking some sips in the evening while addressing his supporters after the HC directives, as he stopped drinking water on Monday. The HC posted the matter for further hearing on Tuesday and stated that if the health of the Jarange worsens, the government shall provide medical assistance to him. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that his administration will implement the directives of the high court on the Maratha quota protest and added that the Mahayuti government is opting on finding legal options to resolve the protest.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil said he was open to dialogue with the Maharashtra government, but insisted that quota demand must be met. Meanwhile, he urged supporters to remain peaceful.&nbsp;

'Even if I die, I won’t leave': Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange as police ask protesters to vacate

manoj-jarange-patil

Manoj Jarange Patil, News on Manoj Jarange Patil, stories on Manoj Jarange Patil, articles on Manoj Jarange Patil, Manoj Jarange Patil stories at Wion, Manoj Jarange Patil news, Manoj Jarange Patil latest news

manoj jarange-patil

Who is Manoj Jarange Patil? Why is he fasting and what is the Maratha quota controversy?

Who is Manoj Jarange Patil? The man behind the Maratha protest wave

Maratha activist Jarange agrees to end 5-day hunger strike after demands met

'Even if I die, I won’t leave': Manoj Jarange as police ask protesters to vacate