Maratha Reservation Activist Ends Hunger Strike After Agreement with Maharashtra Government
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil ended his indefinite fast after late-night talks with Maharashtra government officials. Key commitments include formal orders on Maratha demands, access to historical records, and extended efforts towards certificate issuance.
Highlights
- •Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil ends indefinite hunger strike
- •Government agrees to issue necessary directions and orders by June 2
- •Specialized helplines established for Maratha community members seeking assistance
- •Justice Shinde Committee's work extended with Kunbi certificate issuance prioritized
MUMBAI: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil concluded his indefinite hunger strike shortly after midnight following a breakthrough in talks with the Maharashtra government. The historic agreement, reached late on Saturday evening, saw significant progress towards addressing the community's long-standing demands.
Jarine-Patil and a delegation consisting of Cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and BJP legislator Prasad Lad met for over two-and-a-half hours to discuss key issues. The discussions ended with formal orders on the activists' key demands expected by June 2. Jarange-Patil emphasized that he would not hesitate to resume the agitation if these assurances were not promptly fulfilled.
Maharashtra Government's Commitments
The government has promised numerous measures, including access to 58 lakh historical records and the issuance of Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas. Vikhe-Patil also assured the public that meetings under divisional commissioners would be held within 15 days to address caste validity-related issues.
In a significant move, specialized helplines are being set up in district collectorates for certificate validity matters and a dedicated helpline under the Maratha reservation sub-committee will also be launched. Additionally, the Justice Shinde Committee's work has been extended by one year, with an emphasis on continuous issuance of Kunbi certificates.
Achieving this breakthrough was crucial as it marks a significant milestone in the ongoing discussions between communal groups and governmental authorities.
