Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on September 3, 2025, that the state government has successfully addressed the long-standing Maratha reservation demands, prompting activist Manoj Jarange to end his five-day hunger strike. The resolution, centered on granting eligible Marathas Kunbi caste certificates for access to Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation benefits, marks a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing quota debate.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis expressed relief and optimism, emphasizing that his government’s focus has always been on the welfare of the Maratha community. Jarange, aged 43, began his fast on August 29 at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, pressing for broader reservation rights. On Tuesday afternoon, he accepted a glass of fruit juice from senior BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who leads the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, signaling the end of his protest after the government agreed to key demands.
The cornerstone of the resolution is the implementation of the Hyderabad gazetteer, a historical document listing Kunbi caste affiliations. Fadnavis clarified that caste certificates would be issued to individuals whose ancestors are listed in the gazetteer, enabling them to access OBC benefits. “We explained that reservations are for individuals, not groups, and proof is required. The Hyderabad gazetteer provides that proof,” he stated, noting that this approach avoids blanket reservations while ensuring legal compliance.
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The decision followed intense negotiations, with Fadnavis thanking Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with Vikhe Patil, for their roles in resolving the issue. He emphasized that the government worked diligently to address legal constraints while meeting the protesters’ demands, ensuring no conflict arises between the Maratha and OBC communities. “Our goal was to deliver justice without taking away rights from any group,” Fadnavis said, addressing concerns from OBCs that their reservations might be diluted.
The Maratha community, which has long sought equitable access to education and job opportunities, stands to gain significantly from this decision, according to Fadnavis. He dismissed criticisms leveled against him, stating, “In politics, praise and criticism come and go. My focus is on serving all communities in Maharashtra.” The resolution has been carefully crafted to balance the interests of Marathas and OBCs, with the government leveraging historical records to provide a legally sound pathway for reservations.
The end of Jarange’s fast has sparked cautious optimism across Maharashtra, with community leaders and activists closely watching the implementation process. The government has committed to expediting the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates, with district authorities tasked with verifying ancestral records. This move is expected to benefit thousands of Maratha families, particularly in rural areas, by opening doors to reserved seats in education and government jobs.
As Maharashtra navigates this complex socio-political landscape, Fadnavis reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance. “We’ve taken a decision that benefits the Maratha community while maintaining harmony with others,” he said. The resolution, widely covered by local media, is seen as a step toward defusing tensions in the state, though its long-term success will depend on transparent and efficient execution.
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