Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil who has been at the forefront of the recent agitation demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra, called off his march to Mumbai on Friday (Jan 26).&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Manoj Jarange-Patil?</h2>

Jarange-Patil, 40, leading tens of thousands of Maratha reservation supporters&nbsp;hails from Maharashtra’s Beed district. He settled in Shahgad&nbsp;village in&nbsp;Jalna district&nbsp;after he got married. In 2009 he joined the decades-long movement to secure reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and education.&nbsp;

Initially, Jarange-Patil was a part of the Congress party but later created his own outfit called Shivba Sanghatana to organise protests.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Maharashtra's Maratha movement explained

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In 2021, when the Supreme Court struck down the Maratha reservation quota altogether after decades of back and forth he participated in demonstrations across the state and reportedly sold his land to meet his daily needs.&nbsp;

However, it was not until September last year that Jarange-Patil became a prominent figure after he went on a hunger strike. On the 4th day of his strike, a police contingent allegedly tried to forcibly take him to a government hospital.&nbsp;

Subsequently, clashes broke out where police baton-charged and fired tear gas at his supporters. Many Maratha activists complained that a large number of protestors were beaten up and “police brutality” made headlines across the nation.&nbsp;

Over the next few months, he became the face of the Maratha reservation movement. Jarange-Patil had announced his march to Mumbai, on December 26 and said he would hold a fast unto death at the city’s Azad Maidan.&nbsp;

<h2>Jarange-Patil’s march to Mumbai</h2>

In a last-ditch attempt to stop him and his thousands of supporters from entering the city, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government, on Friday morning put forth a new set of proposals.&nbsp;

Following the negotiations, Jarange-Patil told reporters that he would stay in Vashi, an area in Navi Mumbai until tomorrow (Jan 27). He also said that the government officials have submitted a fresh proposal which he will study, consult his team, and then take a final decision on it.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maratha-quota-march-thousands-of-protesters-to-reach-mumbai-on-january-26-section-144-imposed-683567">Maratha quota march: Thousands of protesters to reach Mumbai on January 26; section 144 imposed</a>

Jarange-Patil has put forth a new list of demands before the state government asking them to bring in an ordinance by Friday (Jan 26) night, which includes amending the free education policy to include all Marathas until the benefit of reservation becomes available for the entire community.

The Maratha reservation activist has also sought data on the 3,700,000 Kunbi certificates that have been issued by the state government, as per their ongoing exercise. The ordinance should also assure that the family members of all those who will receive Kunbi caste certificates under this exercise will also be entitled to nominations based on those certificates, as per his demands.&nbsp;

Jarange-Patil also demanded that no government posts should be filled till Marathas get reservation. However, if they do decide to fill those vacancies, the posts for those belonging to the community should be kept aside.&nbsp;

The Maratha activist has also asked for all cases against protesters of the movement over the years to be withdrawn.&nbsp;

“I am taking a step backwards,” the 40-year-old activist said, adding that he had stopped having food from Friday and was drinking water. “If an ordinance is not promulgated tonight, I will come to Mumbai tomorrow.”&nbsp;

“I will take decision on going to Azad Maidan tomorrow at noon. Once I set out, there will be no turning back,” Jarange-Patil warned.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maratha-quota-stir-manoj-jarange-reaches-mumbai-with-thousands-of-supporters-683861">Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange reaches Mumbai with thousands of supporters</a>

The Shinde-led government’s proposal and Jarange-Patil’s demands come as tens of thousands of people are standing at Mumbai’s borders to enter the city.&nbsp;

The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota is&nbsp;announced.

Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community by passing an act in 2018, following widespread protests.

However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely.&nbsp;

<h2>Mumbai police’s warning</h2>

The Mumbai&nbsp;police had denied permission to&nbsp;the protesters to gather at Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maratha-protest-maharashtra-state-backward-class-commission-panel-members-quit-citing-govt-interference-669380">Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference</a>

It&nbsp;also issued a notice under section 149 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) which enables them to prevent any cognisable offence. It noted that up to 65,00,000 people travel in Mumbai every day, and if the protesters enter with their vehicles the daily transport system in the city will collapse.

The police also warned that if the protesters did not adhere to the notice they would be held in contempt of orders of the High Court and Supreme Court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil who has been at the forefront of the recent agitation demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra, called off his march to Mumbai on Friday (Jan 26).

Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil who has been at the forefront of the recent agitation demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra, called off his march to Mumbai on Friday (Jan 26). Who is Manoj Jarange-Patil? Jarange-Patil, 40, leading tens of thousands of Maratha reservation supporters hails from Maharashtra’s Beed district. He settled in Shahgad village in Jalna district after he got married. In 2009 he joined the decades-long movement to secure reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and education. Initially, Jarange-Patil was a part of the Congress party but later created his own outfit called Shivba Sanghatana to organise protests. WATCH | Maharashtra's Maratha movement explained In 2021, when the Supreme Court struck down the Maratha reservation quota altogether after decades of back and forth he participated in demonstrations across the state and reportedly sold his land to meet his daily needs. However, it was not until September last year that Jarange-Patil became a prominent figure after he went on a hunger strike. On the 4th day of his strike, a police contingent allegedly tried to forcibly take him to a government hospital. Subsequently, clashes broke out where police baton-charged and fired tear gas at his supporters. Many Maratha activists complained that a large number of protestors were beaten up and “police brutality” made headlines across the nation. Over the next few months, he became the face of the Maratha reservation movement. Jarange-Patil had announced his march to Mumbai, on December 26 and said he would hold a fast unto death at the city’s Azad Maidan. Jarange-Patil’s march to Mumbai In a last-ditch attempt to stop him and his thousands of supporters from entering the city, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government, on Friday morning put forth a new set of proposals. Following the negotiations, Jarange-Patil told reporters that he would stay in Vashi, an area in Navi Mumbai until tomorrow (Jan 27). He also said that the government officials have submitted a fresh proposal which he will study, consult his team, and then take a final decision on it. ALSO READ | Maratha quota march: Thousands of protesters to reach Mumbai on January 26; section 144 imposed Jarange-Patil has put forth a new list of demands before the state government asking them to bring in an ordinance by Friday (Jan 26) night, which includes amending the free education policy to include all Marathas until the benefit of reservation becomes available for the entire community. The Maratha reservation activist has also sought data on the 3,700,000 Kunbi certificates that have been issued by the state government, as per their ongoing exercise. The ordinance should also assure that the family members of all those who will receive Kunbi caste certificates under this exercise will also be entitled to nominations based on those certificates, as per his demands. Jarange-Patil also demanded that no government posts should be filled till Marathas get reservation. However, if they do decide to fill those vacancies, the posts for those belonging to the community should be kept aside. The Maratha activist has also asked for all cases against protesters of the movement over the years to be withdrawn. “I am taking a step backwards,” the 40-year-old activist said, adding that he had stopped having food from Friday and was drinking water. “If an ordinance is not promulgated tonight, I will come to Mumbai tomorrow.” “I will take decision on going to Azad Maidan tomorrow at noon. Once I set out, there will be no turning back,” Jarange-Patil warned. ALSO WATCH | Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange reaches Mumbai with thousands of supporters The Shinde-led government’s proposal and Jarange-Patil’s demands come as tens of thousands of people are standing at Mumbai’s borders to enter the city. The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota is announced. Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community by passing an act in 2018, following widespread protests. However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely. Mumbai police’s warning The Mumbai police had denied permission to the protesters to gather at Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar. ALSO READ | Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference It also issued a notice under section 149 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) which enables them to prevent any cognisable offence. It noted that up to 65,00,000 people travel in Mumbai every day, and if the protesters enter with their vehicles the daily transport system in the city will collapse. The police also warned that if the protesters did not adhere to the notice they would be held in contempt of orders of the High Court and Supreme Court. (With inputs from agencies)

Maratha quota march: Who is Manoj Jarange-Patil, activist who gathered thousands of protesters in Mumbai?

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests in Mumbai</h2>

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil kickstarted the recent protest march demanding reservation for the Maratha community and may begin an indefinite hunger strike on Friday (Jan 26). He has also reportedly asked his supporters to prepare for a long sit-in protest in the city.&nbsp;

According to organisers, tens of thousands of people are expected to join the march which they&nbsp;describe&nbsp;as one of the biggest in the Indian state’s history. While&nbsp;Jarange-Patil has claimed more than two crore&nbsp;(20 million) people are expected to come to Mumbai in a show of support.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Mumbai police have imposed&nbsp;section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) till February 6&nbsp;in the city ahead of Republic Day celebrations. In line with this, a gathering of five or more people and any kind of a procession&nbsp;in the financial capital is banned.&nbsp;

The Mumbai police have also reportedly denied permission for the protesters to gather at&nbsp;Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maratha-protest-maharashtra-state-backward-class-commission-panel-members-quit-citing-govt-interference-669380">Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference</a>

Jarange-Patil had set out for the march towards Mumbai from Maharashtra’s Jalna district on January 20 with thousands of supporters.&nbsp;

On Thursday (Jan 25), police and personnel from the Rapid Action Force and the bomb disposal squad were seen stationed at one of the entry points to the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Media reports citing march&nbsp;organisers said Jarange-Patil will start his indefinite hunger strike on January 26 in Mumbai at Azad Maidan.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court, on Wednesday, refused to issue an order preventing Jarange-Patil from entering the city.&nbsp;

The petition filed by activist Gunratna Sadavarte said Jarange-Patil, accompanied by crores&nbsp;of his followers, posed a logistical challenge for Mumbai and could cause law and order problems.&nbsp;

<h2>What are they demanding?</h2>

Maratha reservation supporters led by Jarange-Patil have sought the inclusion of all Marathas under the OBC category by giving them Kunbi sub-caste certificates.&nbsp;

Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday (Jan 24) said he is “positive” towards Jarange-Patil’s demands and will “ensure the reservation is legally viable.” He added, “I appeal to Jarange-Patil to stop the agitation.”

Earlier in January, faced with the latest round of protests, the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2021 decision of striking down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ after they deemed it “unconstitutional”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-karnataka-cm-jagadish-shettar-rejoins-bjp-months-after-crying-foul-over-ill-treatment-683572">Ex-Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar rejoins BJP months after crying foul over 'ill-treatment'</a>

On Wednesday, the state government granted a second extension to a committee formed to finalise the methodology to grant Kunbi status to Marathas, till February 29.

The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota was announced.

Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community&nbsp;by passing an act, in 2018,&nbsp;following widespread protests.

However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations.

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Indian state of Maharashtra are currently en route to Mumbai and will reach the country’s financial capital, on Thursday (Jan 25) amid Republic Day celebrations. Protests in Mumbai Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil kickstarted the recent protest march demanding reservation for the Maratha community and may begin an indefinite hunger strike on Friday (Jan 26). He has also reportedly asked his supporters to prepare for a long sit-in protest in the city. According to organisers, tens of thousands of people are expected to join the march which they describe as one of the biggest in the Indian state’s history. While Jarange-Patil has claimed more than two crore (20 million) people are expected to come to Mumbai in a show of support. Meanwhile, the Mumbai police have imposed section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) till February 6 in the city ahead of Republic Day celebrations. In line with this, a gathering of five or more people and any kind of a procession in the financial capital is banned. The Mumbai police have also reportedly denied permission for the protesters to gather at Azad Maidan and instead offered a rally ground in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar. ALSO READ | Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference Jarange-Patil had set out for the march towards Mumbai from Maharashtra’s Jalna district on January 20 with thousands of supporters. On Thursday (Jan 25), police and personnel from the Rapid Action Force and the bomb disposal squad were seen stationed at one of the entry points to the city. Media reports citing march organisers said Jarange-Patil will start his indefinite hunger strike on January 26 in Mumbai at Azad Maidan. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court, on Wednesday, refused to issue an order preventing Jarange-Patil from entering the city. The petition filed by activist Gunratna Sadavarte said Jarange-Patil, accompanied by crores of his followers, posed a logistical challenge for Mumbai and could cause law and order problems. What are they demanding? Maratha reservation supporters led by Jarange-Patil have sought the inclusion of all Marathas under the OBC category by giving them Kunbi sub-caste certificates. Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday (Jan 24) said he is “positive” towards Jarange-Patil’s demands and will “ensure the reservation is legally viable.” He added, “I appeal to Jarange-Patil to stop the agitation.” Earlier in January, faced with the latest round of protests, the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition asking the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2021 decision of striking down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ after they deemed it “unconstitutional”. ALSO READ | Ex-Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar rejoins BJP months after crying foul over 'ill-treatment' On Wednesday, the state government granted a second extension to a committee formed to finalise the methodology to grant Kunbi status to Marathas, till February 29. The Maharashtra government has said that it needs time to figure out the legality of the reservation for all Marathas while urging Jarange-Patil to call off the agitation. However, the activist has insisted on continuing till the quota was announced. Over a decade or so there has been a lot of back and forth between the state government and the courts. Initially, the Maharashtra government had granted a 16 per cent reservation to the community by passing an act, in 2018, following widespread protests. However, the validity of the legislation was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which later upheld the decision but slashed the quota to 13 per cent and 12 per cent in education and jobs, respectively. In 2021, the apex court quashed it entirely. (With inputs from agencies)

Maratha quota march: Thousands of protesters to reach Mumbai on January 26; section 144 imposed

Amid Maratha protests that are erupting in western India’s state of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel, that was appointed to look into the socio-economic backwardness of the Maratha community is crumbling.

Five out of its 10-member panel have quit citing the Maharashtra state government’s interference. It can be called a big setback for the Maratha community which has been fighting for their rights for many years now.

Three members including, the chairman of the commission, Anand Nirgude, a former judge at the Bombay High Court, have resigned. Two days before, two members citing government interference had resigned.

According to confirmed sources, one of the members who resigned in his resignation letter had mentioned that the government was trying to force them into declaring the Maratha community as backward. One of the resigned members alleged that the panel was supposed to work independently but the interference was too much.

Nirgude resigned on December 4, before the start of the winter assembly session. The Maharashtra government conveyed his resignation and the state government’s acceptance of it to the member secretary of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission on December 9.

Maharashtra Leader of Opposition (in the Legislative Assembly) and Congressman Vijay Wadettiwar, also a prominent OBC leader accused the state government and said, “The present State Backward Class Commission had been constituted during the time of the MVA government. The Shinde government is bringing pressure on some OBC members in this commission. Why is it trying to throttle the voices of the OBCs in this manner? Why did the government hide the date of Mr Nirgude’s resignation? What was the motive behind this?”

Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state.

The commission looks into matters of including or excluding a particular caste from categories such as Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Special Backward Classes (SBC). The commission, a quasi-judicial body, conducts extensive studies and submits its report to the Maharashtra government.

The panel was supposed to do a comprehensive survey to determine the Maratha community’s social, educational and economic backwardness.

In 2021, the Supreme Court rejected a report on the social and economic backwardness of the Marathas submitted by the commission’s former chairman, Justice M.G. Gaikwad (Retd), and struck down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ as “unconstitutional”.

Earlier this year — faced with the latest round of protests just ahead of the 2024 elections — the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition to get the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.

In October this year, the Maharashtra government announced it would grant Kunbi certificates — Kunbis are a sub-Maratha caste group that’s counted among the state’s OBC — to Marathas to

ensure the community is counted among the state’s other backward classes. The move sparked yet another row, with the state’s other OBC groups raising concerns.

Meanwhile, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who’s been at the centre of the fresh Maratha protests, has given the Eknath Shinde government a December 24 deadline to grant reservation.

Amid Maratha protests that are erupting in western India’s state of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel, that was appointed to look into the socio-economic backwardness of the Maratha community is crumbling.

Amid Maratha protests that are erupting in western India’s state of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel, that was appointed to look into the socio-economic backwardness of the Maratha community is crumbling. Five out of its 10-member panel have quit citing the Maharashtra state government’s interference. It can be called a big setback for the Maratha community which has been fighting for their rights for many years now. Three members including, the chairman of the commission, Anand Nirgude, a former judge at the Bombay High Court, have resigned. Two days before, two members citing government interference had resigned. According to confirmed sources, one of the members who resigned in his resignation letter had mentioned that the government was trying to force them into declaring the Maratha community as backward. One of the resigned members alleged that the panel was supposed to work independently but the interference was too much. Nirgude resigned on December 4, before the start of the winter assembly session. The Maharashtra government conveyed his resignation and the state government’s acceptance of it to the member secretary of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission on December 9. Maharashtra Leader of Opposition (in the Legislative Assembly) and Congressman Vijay Wadettiwar, also a prominent OBC leader accused the state government and said, “The present State Backward Class Commission had been constituted during the time of the MVA government. The Shinde government is bringing pressure on some OBC members in this commission. Why is it trying to throttle the voices of the OBCs in this manner? Why did the government hide the date of Mr Nirgude’s resignation? What was the motive behind this?” Marathas, who form an estimated 33 per cent of the state’s population, have periodically protested for reservations in government jobs and educational institutions of the state. The commission looks into matters of including or excluding a particular caste from categories such as Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Special Backward Classes (SBC). The commission, a quasi-judicial body, conducts extensive studies and submits its report to the Maharashtra government. The panel was supposed to do a comprehensive survey to determine the Maratha community’s social, educational and economic backwardness. In 2021, the Supreme Court rejected a report on the social and economic backwardness of the Marathas submitted by the commission’s former chairman, Justice M.G. Gaikwad (Retd), and struck down the quota given to Marathas under the ‘socially and educationally backward class’ as “unconstitutional”. Earlier this year — faced with the latest round of protests just ahead of the 2024 elections — the Maharashtra government filed a curative petition to get the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision. In October this year, the Maharashtra government announced it would grant Kunbi certificates — Kunbis are a sub-Maratha caste group that’s counted among the state’s OBC — to Marathas to ensure the community is counted among the state’s other backward classes. The move sparked yet another row, with the state’s other OBC groups raising concerns. Meanwhile, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who’s been at the centre of the fresh Maratha protests, has given the Eknath Shinde government a December 24 deadline to grant reservation.

Maratha protest: Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission panel members quit citing govt interference

Maharashtra legislature's passage of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/obc-outfit-to-challenge-maratha-reservation-in-court-180304">bill granting 16 per cent quota to Marathas</a> in jobs and education marked the culmination of a 36-year-long movement by the community that saw many ups and downs and loss of lives.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-government-proposes-16-quota-for-maratha-180173">bill was passed Thursday unanimously</a>, establishing wide political support for the measure and also reflecting the clout of the influential agrarian community.

Community leaders say their long-drawn struggle has finally paid off, but maintain they will continue their fight for withdrawal of cases against their members filed when their agitation turned violent and invited police action.

"The credit for the passage of the bills goes largely to those who laid their lives for the cause and also to those who have struggled for it," Ankush Mohite, state coordinator of the Maratha Kranti Morcha, said.

The Morcha is among the outfits which spearheaded the Maratha quota agitation.

Mohite said the next step of the protesters is to ensure that police cases filed against their colleagues at various places in the state are withdrawn.

Rajendra Kondhare, general secretary, Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh, agreed with him. "Though the bill is cleared, our battle is still not over," he said.

According to him, the quota agitation claimed around 40 lives in nearly four decades.

The demand for quota for Marathas -- who form 33 per cent of the state's around 13 crore population - came to the fore prominently in March 1982 when Annasaheb Patil (28), a native of Satara district, shot himself, Kondhare said.

"Annasaheb had led a march in Mumbai over the issue. The government ignored the demand, prompting Annasaheb to end his life," Kondhare said.

The issue remained on the back burner largely till the previous Congress-NCP government, ahead of the 2014 Assembly polls, came out with an ordinance granting reservation to the community. It was, however, stayed by the Bombay High Court.

The campaign for the quota intensified after a 14- year-old Maratha girl from Kopardi village in Ahemadnagar district was raped and murdered in July 2016.

The rape-cum-murder incident triggered an outrage among the community whose members took to streets and vented their anger against the stringent SC/ST Atrocities Act (the accused were Dalits) and demanded justice for the victim.

The demand for justice in the rape-murder case was coalesced with the large issue of Maratha reservation and the agitation attracted widespread attention.

Over 50 well-attended 'mook morchas' (silent marches) were held by Maratha organisations across the state in 2016 and 2017, sending a message to the BJP-led government about their demand and intention to continue their struggle.

The agitation took a violent turn in July this year with protesters slamming the government over delay in fulfilling the demand.

Amid restlessness among Marathas, started another phase which saw community members taking their own lives in support of the long-pending demand for quota.

Kakasaheb Shinde, from Aurangabad district, the hotbed of the latest phase of quota stir, allegedly flung himself to death in Godavari river over the demand.

Jagannath Sonavane, also hailing from Aurangabad, reportedly consumed poison and died to press for Maratha quota.

Abhijit Deshmukh (35), who hailed from Beed, allegedly hanged himself for the cause August 31.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra legislature's passage of a bill granting 16 per cent quota to Marathas in jobs and education marked the culmination of a 36-year-long movement by the community that saw many ups and downs and loss of lives.

Maharashtra legislature's passage of a bill granting 16 per cent quota to Marathas in jobs and education marked the culmination of a 36-year-long movement by the community that saw many ups and downs and loss of lives. The bill was passed Thursday unanimously, establishing wide political support for the measure and also reflecting the clout of the influential agrarian community. Community leaders say their long-drawn struggle has finally paid off, but maintain they will continue their fight for withdrawal of cases against their members filed when their agitation turned violent and invited police action. "The credit for the passage of the bills goes largely to those who laid their lives for the cause and also to those who have struggled for it," Ankush Mohite, state coordinator of the Maratha Kranti Morcha, said. The Morcha is among the outfits which spearheaded the Maratha quota agitation. Mohite said the next step of the protesters is to ensure that police cases filed against their colleagues at various places in the state are withdrawn. Rajendra Kondhare, general secretary, Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh, agreed with him. "Though the bill is cleared, our battle is still not over," he said. According to him, the quota agitation claimed around 40 lives in nearly four decades. The demand for quota for Marathas -- who form 33 per cent of the state's around 13 crore population - came to the fore prominently in March 1982 when Annasaheb Patil (28), a native of Satara district, shot himself, Kondhare said. "Annasaheb had led a march in Mumbai over the issue. The government ignored the demand, prompting Annasaheb to end his life," Kondhare said. The issue remained on the back burner largely till the previous Congress-NCP government, ahead of the 2014 Assembly polls, came out with an ordinance granting reservation to the community. It was, however, stayed by the Bombay High Court. The campaign for the quota intensified after a 14- year-old Maratha girl from Kopardi village in Ahemadnagar district was raped and murdered in July 2016. The rape-cum-murder incident triggered an outrage among the community whose members took to streets and vented their anger against the stringent SC/ST Atrocities Act (the accused were Dalits) and demanded justice for the victim. The demand for justice in the rape-murder case was coalesced with the large issue of Maratha reservation and the agitation attracted widespread attention. Over 50 well-attended 'mook morchas' (silent marches) were held by Maratha organisations across the state in 2016 and 2017, sending a message to the BJP-led government about their demand and intention to continue their struggle. The agitation took a violent turn in July this year with protesters slamming the government over delay in fulfilling the demand. Amid restlessness among Marathas, started another phase which saw community members taking their own lives in support of the long-pending demand for quota. Kakasaheb Shinde, from Aurangabad district, the hotbed of the latest phase of quota stir, allegedly flung himself to death in Godavari river over the demand. Jagannath Sonavane, also hailing from Aurangabad, reportedly consumed poison and died to press for Maratha quota. Abhijit Deshmukh (35), who hailed from Beed, allegedly hanged himself for the cause August 31.

Maratha quota bill marks end of 36-year struggle by community