Pro-Maratha Leader Manoj Jarange-Patil Announces Supporters Will Leave Mumbai After Government Resolutions
Mumbai, September 2 – In a big development, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has said his supporters will vacate Mumbai soon. This will happen once the Maharashtra government issues official government resolutions (GRs) on key demands related to Maratha reservations.
What are these demands? The GRs will detail the implementation of important historical records—called gazettes—from Hyderabad and Satara, and also address the withdrawal of police cases against activists fighting for Maratha reservations.
Jarange-Patil recently met with Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, a leader heading a cabinet sub-committee, and other ministers. During the meeting at Azad Maidan, the committee agreed to implement Jarange’s demands. The activist expressed confidence that once the GRs are issued, he will consider ending his fast.
He explained that the Hyderabad Gazette, issued in 1918 by the Hyderabad Nizam’s government, recognized reservations for the Maratha community, which was then in the majority in Hyderabad. The Satara Gazette, meanwhile, records details about the Maratha and Kunbi communities.
Jarange-Patil also pressed for issuing Kunbi caste certificates to relatives after proper investigation. He demanded ₹15 crore in compensation for families of those who lost their lives during the reservation protests. Additionally, families will be offered jobs in government undertakings like Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
He urged the government to share records of 58 lakh Kunbi community members with village councils, so locals are aware their details are officially received. Jarange-Patil highlighted that many certificates are stuck in verification and urged quick action.
Vikhe-Patil assured that once the records are received, the government will process certificates immediately, with district officials helping speed up this work. The activist also demanded that the government declare that Maratha and Kunbi communities are one, a move he says is crucial for unity. Vikhe-Patil said that implementing this will take about a month due to the complexity involved.
On other issues, Jarange-Patil sought action on nearly 8 lakh objections related to birth records, which the government promised to review. The response was positive, with officials planning to verify details with villagers and relatives.
Another major point was the ₹5,000 fines imposed by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for traffic violations. Jarange-Patil asked for these fines to be waived, and the government agreed. Vikhe-Patil and Uday Samant, the industries minister, assured that the fines would be canceled. Authorities also advised activists not to face police action as they head home but urged everyone to follow traffic rules.
While speaking to supporters, Jarange-Patil warned that if there are any changes to the government resolutions, he might escalate his protests, and no minister would be allowed to freely move around the state.
This development marks an important step in the ongoing Maratha reservation movement, with hopes that these commitments will bring some relief to the community soon.
