Jarange ends fast after Maharashtra govt relents, but quota battle far from over

The end of Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike has significant political and social implications for both the Maratha agitation and the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government in Maharashtra

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on Tuesday ended his hunger strike after the BJP-led Maharashtra government agreed to most of his key demands, including the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas, which would allow them to avail of reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Jarange broke his fast at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan by accepting a glass of fruit juice from senior BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the Cabinet sub-committee on the Maratha reservation issue. The 43-year-old activist was seen in tears as hundreds of supporters erupted in cheers. He was later taken by ambulance for a medical check-up. But reservation battle is far from over any large-scale inclusion of Marathas into the OBC category will be closely watched by the courts and by existing OBC groups who may see this as dilution of their share. For the Devendra Fadnavis government ending the hunger strike and protest at Azad Maidan provides immediate relief from public pressure, court warnings, and city disruptions. However, implementing the quota demands will be complex, legally risky, and politically sensitive. OBC groups may resist sharing their quota with Marathas. The courts have already called parts of the protest illegal and future legal battles over quotas are likely now Earlier in the day, Jarange had demanded that the Chief Minister and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar come to Azad Maidan to end his fast. However, Vikhe Patil informed him that all three leaders were out of Mumbai and urged him to reconsider. Jarange relented but issued a warning to the government not to go back on its promises. The Bombay High Court had issued a stern ultimatum to the activist and his supporters, directing them to vacate Azad Maidan by 3 PM or face contempt proceedings, fines, and police action. The court termed the ongoing protest “completely illegal” and emphasized the need to restore normalcy in the city. Why was this protest allowed in Mumbai was also being asked. Jarange-Patil For now Jarange-Patil has emerged as the leading face of the renewed Maratha reservation movement in Maharashtra. Backed by significant support from Maratha leaders and grassroots activists, his agitation put the ruling Mahayuti coalition — comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) — under considerable political pressure.