Since late August 2025, Maharashtra has witnessed a renewed surge in the long-running Maratha Aarakshan (reservation) movement, climaxing in a high-profile hunger strike by activist Manoj Jarange Patil
Since late August 2025, Maharashtra has witnessed a renewed surge in the long-running Maratha Aarakshan (reservation) movement, climaxing in a high-profile hunger strike by activist Manoj Jarange Patil at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. The protest triggered significant political response, culminating in a breakthrough through the Hyderabad Gazetteer—a colonial-era document—being formally recognised to benefit Maratha applicants seeking Kunbi (OBC) status.
Marathas, historically a dominant but economically challenged community in Maharashtra, have campaigned for reservation in government jobs and education for decades. Earlier grants under the SEBC Act were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021, leaving most Marathas without any quota. Since 2023, activists like Jarange-Patil have demanded systematic issuance of Kunbi caste certificates using historic records—particularly from the Hyderabad Gazetteer—for eligibility under Other Backward Classes.
On August 29, 2025, Manoj Jarange Patil commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. Thousands joined in solidarity. Despite a Bombay High Court order requiring protesters to vacate public spaces, the protest continued, drawing widespread attention and straining city infrastructure. The court issued an ultimatum and warned of contempt and police action if the site was not cleared by early September 2-3.
After tense negotiations and court pressure, the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (supported by Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar), issued a Government Resolution (GR) on September 2-3, 2025, to implement the Hyderabad Gazetteer. The Gazetteer—issued during the Nizam’s rule—documents Marathas in the Marathwada region as Kunbis, historically entitled to reservation.
Under the GR:
Following the GR, Manoj Jarange Patil ended his five-day fast on the evening of September 2. Celebrations broke out at Azad Maidan and surrounding areas with gulal, slogans, and selfies, marking the protest’s perceived victory. He is reported to have demanded timely follow-through: withdrawal of cases against protesters, compensation and jobs for kin of deceased agitators—all within designated timelines.
However, protests by OBC groups continue, accusing the move as a “backdoor entry” of Marathas into limited OBC seats. They have launched hunger strikes of their own, demanding equal process and protection of quota for existing OBC communities.
Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil, member of the sub-committee on Maratha reservation, cautioned that blanket Kunbi status might fail legal muster. He stressed that certificate issuance must align with Supreme Court norms and not exceed constitutional limits or violate prior judgments.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court continues to review compliance. It reserved the right to take action if the GR is not implemented responsibly, and called on both protesters and state to respect court orders moving forward.
The latest phase of the Maratha reservation movement resulted in a significant policy shift: formal recognition of colonial-era records to grant Kunbi OBC status to eligible Marathas. Activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike catalysed the government to act within legal boundaries, issuing a targeted GR that circumvents constitutional hurdles. Implementation—through village committees and records verification—will determine effectiveness. While Marathas are celebrating what they call a victory, OBC groups and the judiciary remain active, ensuring checks and balance. The next few weeks will be critical in converting the promise into on-ground reality.
FAQs
It is an official record from the Nizam-era government categorising many residents of Marathwada—including Marathas—as Kunbis (an OBC group). It is being invoked to allow eligible Marathas to claim OBC benefits legally.
He is a Maratha activist who led multiple protests and hunger strikes (including from Jan 2024 and again Aug–Sep 2025) demanding Kunbi certificates for Marathas. His 2025 hunger strike at Azad Maidan ended successfully after the GR was assured and he ended his fast on September 2 2025.
It recognises the Hyderabad Gazetteer for verification of Maratha claims as Kunbis. Village-level committees will assess applications; affidavits and family documentation accepted when records are missing. Estimated 5.8 million historical entries are available for cross-checking.
Yes. The Bombay High Court deemed the Azad Maidan occupation illegal beyond permitted limits and ordered vacating; it warned of contempt and police action. The court is monitoring implementation of the GR and adherence to its directives.
No. Only those who can present valid evidence—through Gazette records, relatives’ certificates, or affidavits—will qualify for Kunbi status. The move is targeted and documented, not blanket inclusion. OBC leaders remain watchful against any erosion of their quota space.
