Marathas

Maratha quota row: OBC, other groups turn up heat; CM urges restraint

The political landscape in Maharashtra is hotting up as after OBCs, SC and ST groups have also expressed concerns over a Government Resolution on Hyderabad gazette for Maratha quota, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to caution against the politics of extreme. As a row over the GR, issued earlier this month, threatened to turn into a conflict between Maratha and OBC (Other Backward Class) communities, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday accused the Mahayuti government of weakening the social fabric and trying to widen the divide in society. Acknowledging a growing chasm over the sensitive issue of the Maratha reservation, Fadnavis appealed to leaders from both communities to present facts about the issue before the people. Politics of extremes is taking place on the issue and an atmosphere is being created that OBC reservation is finished. This is affecting the psyche of OBC students, he said. Weeks after the state government issued the GR to quell protests led by activi

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange hospitalised a day after ending fast

A day after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange ended his fast, doctors attend to him in a hospital here on Wednesday said he had dehydration and low blood sugar, and was being administered intravenous (IV) fluids. Jarange, who began his hunger strike in Mumbai on August 29, called off the protest on Tuesday afternoon after the Maharashtra government accepted most of his demands, including granting eligible Marathas Kunbi caste certificates, which will make them eligible for reservation benefits available to OBCs. The 43-year-old activist accepted a glass of fruit juice offered by senior BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, at south Mumbai's Azad Maidan, the site of his agitation, marking the end of his fast. Jarange, who hails from Jalna district in the Marathwada region, later left the venue in an ambulance for a medical check-up. He was then shifted to a private hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where he receive

Solution found in interest of Marathas: Fadnavis after Jarange ends fast

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has hailed activist Manoj Jarange's move to call off his 5-day fast over the Maratha quota demand, and said the government found a solution in the interest of the Maratha community. Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Fadnavis said his government always focused on the Maratha community's welfare and expressed hope it will get a huge benefit from the state's decision on the quota issue. Jarange, who began his hunger strike at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on August 29, called off the protest on Tuesday afternoon after the government accepted most of his demands, including granting eligible Marathas Kunbi caste certificates, which will make them eligible for reservation benefits available to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The 43-year-old activist accepted a glass of fruit juice offered by senior BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, and others at Azad Maidan, marking the end o

Maratha quota stir: Protesters crowd CSMT, disrupt traffic in south Mumbai

Hundreds of Maratha community members seeking quota gathered at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and other areas in south Mumbai on Monday, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters. A large number of protesters was seen dancing and raising slogans in support of the quota demand at CSMT, leading to overcrowding at the railway station, located near Azad Maidan where activist Manoj Jarange is staging a hunger strike for reservation from Friday. Scores of agitators also gathered on the road heading towards Mahapalika Marg, J J Marg and D N Road, bringing traffic to a standstill for sometime. There was heavy police deployment in the Azad Maidan area, but the protesters were seen not following the security personnel's instructions. Some groups of protesters tried to enter the Bombay Stock Exchange building premises, but security officials did not allow them. The protesters then raised slogans, like "Ek Maratha Lakh Maratha" and "Aarakshan Aamcha Hakka Che"

Maratha quota stir enters third day as protesters march to Mumbai landmarks

With the Manoj Jarange-led quota agitation escalating into its third day and an early resolution not in sight, hundreds of Maratha community members have been exploring prominent locations in Mumbai, including Marine Drive, the Gateway of India, and Girgaon sea beach. On Sunday, the turnout of protesters in south Mumbai decreased compared to the overwhelming presence on Friday, when thousands arrived from across Maharashtra, bringing traffic to a standstill and occupying platforms at the CSMT station. Jarange, who has been on a hunger strike since Friday, has vowed to stop taking water from Monday as the government has not accepted his demand for an OBC quota for Marathas. After participating in the protests at Azad Maidan, which has become the new nerve centre of the stir, hundreds of protesters visited local landmarks like Marine Drive and Gateway of India on Sunday. Several ventured near the seashore by jumping the Marine Drive promenade, only to be dispersed by police personnel

Give Marathas reservation by Aug 26 or face agitation: Manoj Jarange

Activist Manoj Jarange on Monday said the government should announce reservation for the Maratha community "within the legal framework" by Tuesday, failing which he will proceed for Mumbai to launch an agitation. He said if the demand is fulfilled by Tuesday, then he has no interest in going to Mumbai for a "indefinite hunger strike", which he claimed would be a peaceful agitation. Jarange has called for a protest at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai from August 29, demanding reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. He has been spearheading the campaign demanding that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis an agrarian caste included in the OBC category thereby making them eligible for reservation in education and government jobs. The activist has stressed on the community's demand for the implementation of historical records, including the Bombay, Satara and Hyderabad gazettes, which he claims establish the ...

Hindi language row: BJP MP Dubey's remarks inappropriate, says Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's comments on the language issue in the state were inappropriate and risked causing confusion. Dubey's reported "patak patak ke marenge" remarks have caused a flutter. The Lok Sabha member from Jharkhand had put out a controversial post amid the ongoing language row in Maharashtra and attacks on non-Marathi speaking people. "To those beating Hindi speakers in Mumbai, if you have the courage, try beating Urdu speakers in Maharashtra. Even a dog is a tiger in its own home. Decide for yourself who is the dog and who is the tiger," the MP from Godda posted on X. Asked about the controversy, CM Fadnavis said, "If you listen to the complete statement of Nishikant Dubey, he particularly spoke about an organisation and not against Marathi people in general. However, in my opinion, it is inappropriate to make such comments. Its interpretation causes confusion among the minds of people." The biggest contribu

Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025: All about 'the Brave Maratha Warrior' & more

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's Jayanti is marked annually on May 14. After his father's death, Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, assumed leadership of the Maratha Kingdom

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange to break indefinite fast today

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced he would break his indefinite fast on Thursday as he decided to adopt a different strategy for pushing the reservation demand. Jarange and 104 other activists, including women, launched the indefinite hunger strike on January 25 demanding the reservation for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. In addition to his quota demand, Jarange has sought capital punishment for those involved in murdering Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, who was abducted, tortured and killed on December 9, 2024 "I have decided to withdraw fast on Thursday as I have decided to adopt a different strategy moving forward. The government should clarify whether it intends to grant the Maratha community reservation," he said on Wednesday night. Jarange accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of misleading the Maratha community. "I asked Fadnavis to clarify his stand by the evening, but he remained silent. My fa

Activist Jarange launches fresh indefinite hunger strike for Maratha quota

Activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday launched a fresh indefinite hunger strike, his seventh in the last 16 months, demanding reservation for Marathas under the OBC quota. In addition to his quota demand, Jarange has sought capital punishment for the accused involved in murdering sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Jarange has been demanding the implementation of the draft notification that recognises Kunbis as sage soyare' (blood relatives) of Maratha community members for granting reservation to the latter under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9, 2024. Police have so far arrested seven persons. Speaking to reporters in Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, Jarange expressed hope that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would address the Maratha community's demands, including their inclusion under the OBC category and justice for Deshmukh. "The Maratha community .

Jarange ends fast over Marathas reservation citing community's 'sentiments'

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange on Wednesday called off his indefinite fast, nine days after its launch for the OBC quota demand, citing pleas from members of the Maratha community to withdraw his hunger strike. Speaking to his supporters in Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, Jarange said he had decided to call off the fast keeping in mind the sentiments of the Maratha community. We will deal with those who have hurt the Maratha community, Jarange said. Jarange sat on a hunger strike on September 17, his sixth in a year, to demand reservation to the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. "I have decided to call off the fast after repeated pleas from my community members. Those responsible for harassing the Maratha community will not be spared," Jarange said and appealed to Marathas to refrain from attending any political meetings. Jarange said the Maratha community suffered a lot in the last 70 years. "We want the reservation for a better future

Chhagan Bhujbal using incendiary language to divide Marathas, OBCs: Jarange

Quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday accused Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal of using provocative language intended to incite a rift between Marathas and OBCs, potentially triggering riots. "If he wants riots to happen in the state, the Maratha community should also remain alert," Jarange said while addressing a press conference from a private hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Jarange announced that the next steps for the Maratha quota agitation will be determined after July 13. "The Maratha community is now in trouble while I am left alone. But I will fight back and ensure that the Maratha community gets reservation under the Other Backward Classes category," he said. This remark comes amid escalating tensions over the quota issue following a hunger strike by OBC leaders that galvanised various backward classes and prompted government intervention. Maharashtra is experiencing polarisation as the Maratha community demands inclusion under the OBC grouping for reservatio

Centre can't be spectator, must lead to resolve quota issue, says Pawar

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday said the Centre cannot be a mere spectator and it should take lead to resolve matters pertaining to the quota demand by the Maratha community and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Asked about the increasing Maratha-OBC conflict over the reservation issue in Maharashtra, Pawar said there is only one solution that the Centre should take the lead to resolve it and there is a need for amendments in law and the state and Centre's policies. The former Union minister was speaking to reporters at Baramati in Maharashtra's Pune district. In February this year, the Maharashtra legislature unanimously passed a bill granting a separate 10 per cent reservation in education and jobs to the Maratha community under a separate category. However, the community has been demanding quota under the OBC grouping. Activist Manoj Jarange has been demanding implementation of the draft notification that recognises Kunbis as sage soyare (blood relatives) of Maratha commun

Marathas assaulted for not voting BJP in Beed, claims activist Jarange

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday urged Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action against certain people who were attacking Marathas for not voting for the BJP candidate in Beed in the Lok Sabha election. Speaking to reporters on the second day of his indefinite fast at Antarwali Sarathi village, Jarange claimed that Marathas in some villages in Beed district were being assaulted for not voting for BJP's Pankaja Munde, who lost to NCP (SP) candidate Bajrang Sonawane in the recently held polls. He appealed to the home minister and Beed superintendent of police to take action against such violence and urged Maratha youth to maintain peace and communal harmony. The activist said leaders opposing Maratha interests would face consequences in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections. Jarange launched an indefinite fast on Saturday, demanding implementation of the draft notification that recognises as Kunbis all blood relatives of Maratha community members a

'Marathas may contest assembly polls if quota demand not met by Jun 6'

Activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday said that while he has decided to stay away from the Lok Sabha poll fray, the Maratha community members might contest the Maharashtra assembly elections if they are not provided reservation till June 6. The Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra will be held in five phases from April 19 to May 20 and state assembly polls are due later this year. Vote counting for the Lok Sabha polls will be held on June 4. "We are not involved in politics. We have not aligned with any party, neither the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi nor the ruling Mahayuti. We have not fielded any candidate and neither supported anyone," Jarange told reporters in Navi Mumbai. He was heading to 'Chaityabhoomi' in neighbouring Mumbai to pay homage to Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. The ruling Mahayuti in Maharashtra comprises the Shiv Sena-led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP and Ajit Pawar-headed NCP. The Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) headed by former CM Uddhav Thackeray and S

Maha govt against 'suppression' of quota agitation: Jarange to Marathas

Activist Manoj Jarange on Wednesday expressed fear that he might be arrested and asked Marathas to stay calm and write emails to the prime minister and Maharashtra chief minister to stop "suppression" of the quota agitation. The activist has been under fire for using intemperate language against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday as he alleged the BJP leader was trying to kill him. Assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar on Tuesday directed the state government to set up a special investigation team (SIT) and conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the Jarange's remarks against Fadnavis. The activist earlier used abusive words while observing a fast against non-implementation of the "sage soyre" (blood relatives of Kunbi Marathas) draft notification by the state government. The notification was issued in January for issuing certificates to eligible Kunbi (OBC) Marathas. Jarange was speaking to reporters on Wednesday at a private hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinaga

MVA leaders stage protest, accuse Maha govt of misleading Marathas, OBCs

Legislators of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi staged a protest on Monday before the start of the Budget session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly, accusing the government of misleading the Maratha and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities. The week-long Budget session of the legislature began on Monday, during which the vote on account will be presented. Assembly elections are due in the state later this year. Leader of Opposition in Assembly Vijay Waddetiwar, Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat and other legislators gathered on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan, displaying banners and shouting slogans against the Eknath Shinde-led government. The Opposition MLAs accused the state government of misleading the Maratha and OBC communities over the issue of quota. MVA comprises the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP, while the ruling coalition has the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena and NCP group under Ajit Pawar as partners. Last week, the

Maharashtra govt approves bill to extend 10% reservation to Marathas

The committee proposed a 10 per cent reservation for Marathas in education and jobs, similar to that given in 2018 by the then-state government

Maratha reservation activist Jarange appeals scholars to write to govt

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday appealed to scholars to put forth their suggestions in writing before the government for a strong law on the reservation issue. The 40-year-old activist on Saturday called off his indefinite fast for the quota after the Maharashtra government accepted his demands, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announcing that till Marathas get the reservation, they will be given all benefits enjoyed by the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). A draft notification was issued by the government following negotiations with Jarange, stating that blood relatives of a Maratha person, who has records to show that he belongs to the agrarian Kunbi community, would also be recognised as Kunbi. Kunbi, an agrarian community, falls in the OBC category, and Jarange, who is spearheading the agitation for reservation for the Marathas since last August, has been demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas. Jarange had set out on a protest march from his native Antarwali

Maharashtra state commission to assess backwardness of Marathas: CM Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said the state Commission for Backward Classes will conduct a survey from January 23 to asses the social, economic and educational backwardness of the Maratha community. The Maratha community has been demanding reservation in government jobs and education under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. The chief minister on Saturday directed the administration to carry out the survey in three different shifts on a war footing. Shinde chaired a meeting on the Maratha reservation issue at his official residence here and gave instructions to divisional commissioners, collectors, commissioners of municipal corporations and other senior officials via a video link. The survey announcement came on the day when Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange embarked on a protest march to state capital Mumbai from Jalna with thousands of supporters. Jarange has announced to launch an indefinite fast for the Maratha quota in Mumbai from January 26. He has