Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent activist advocating for Maratha reservation, has officially ended his hunger strike while issuing a 90-day ultimatum to the Maharashtra government. He stated that the government’s response to the demands of the Maratha community is crucial and that the protest will continue until they feel their needs are adequately addressed.

During his announcement, Jarange made it clear that this is a final opportunity for the administration to fulfil its obligations. He expressed a sense of renewed hope but maintained that the agitation would persist until tangible success is achieved. His firm stance suggests that unwavering commitment will be required from the government to meet the community’s expectations.

He specifically mentioned that the government needs to provide a Government Resolution (GR) relating to various regions such as Satara, Kolhapur, Aundh, and Pune within the stipulated 90 days. This timeframe has been stated as essential for gaining the trust of the agitating community.

Government’s Response and Timeline for Report

Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil responded to Jarange Patil’s demands, indicating that the completion of a report concerning the princely states of Satara, Kolhapur, and Aundh may take approximately three to four months. This report is noted to be extensive, comprising around 1,600 pages.

In light of this information, immediate concrete actions on the broader demands of the Maratha community remain crucial. Jarange urged further discussion on key issues surrounding the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) categories, as these classifications are pivotal for the community’s aspirations regarding reservation benefits.

Additionally, he raised concerns about the treatment faced by families who have contributed to the reservation protest. Jarange alleged that these families were treated with disrespect during their recent invitation to a camp at the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), highlighting the need for genuine engagement and respect from governmental bodies.

Further Demands and Community Involvement

Jarange also insisted that the Maharashtra government should broaden its approach to locating Kunbi records, crucial for validating claims of reservation eligibility. He asserted that merely offering promises is insufficient; instead, public participation should be encouraged in the search for these records to ensure transparency and trust.

The Maharashtra government has reassured the community that the efforts to identify existing Kunbi records will not be undermined. However, Jarange sought written assurances along with a structured timeframe from the government regarding this commitment, calling for a methodical approach to implement the planned initiatives.

In an effort to further address community concerns, discussions included plans to organise camps for caste verification and improve access to the Hyderabad Gazetteer for citizens. These initiatives are aimed at facilitating smoother processes for those seeking to establish their caste identities in relation to reservation eligibility.

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