Protesters demanding Maratha reservation in Maharashtra’s capital Mumbai and Manoj Jarange have achieved a major victory. The government has issued the “Hyderabad Gazette.” This means that people from the Maratha community will be granted ‘Kunbi’ caste status. The Kunbi caste is already included in the OBC category in the state. The government’s decision has cleared the path for Marathas to receive reservation. This initiative by the government will not only open up numerous opportunities for the Maratha community but will also strengthen the direction of social justice.

Before the government issued the gazette, Manoj Jarange had set certain conditions for ending his indefinite fast. The primary demand was to include the Maratha community in the Kunbi caste. Now the government has issued the gazette. He will leave the protest site by 9 PM. Jarange has ended his fast and announced the conclusion of the agitation. The Bombay High Court has also issued a strict warning to vacate Azad Maidan by Wednesday morning.

The Battle for Maratha Reservation: Manoj Jarange’s Long Struggle

The approval given by the Fadnavis government for Maratha reservation is the result of months of agitation by Manoj Jarange. The path to reservation was not easy.

In 2021, Manoj Jarange led a 90-day agitation in Pimpalgaon for Maratha reservation. In August 2023, he led a large-scale agitation in Jalna demanding reservation. He undertook an indefinite fast for several days, and after police action, this agitation became a major topic of discussion across the state.

Also Read:

Furthermore, between 2023 and 2025, Jarange undertook hunger strikes multiple times in different regions, primarily in the Marathwada region and Mumbai, and undertook an indefinite fast seven times.

Who gets how much reservation?

In Maharashtra, people from the General Category do not receive much reservation. The highest reservation is for the Other Backward Classes (OBC), at 19 percent. This is followed by Scheduled Castes (SC/SC-Buddhist), who receive 13 percent reservation. In addition, the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) gets 10 percent, Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) get 10 percent, Scheduled Tribes (ST) get 7 percent, Nomadic Tribe 2 (NT-C) gets 3.5 percent, Vimukta Jati (VJNT-A) gets three percent, and Nomadic Tribe 3 (NT-D) gets two percent.

What were Jarange’s key demands?

Manoj Jarange’s demand from the government is that cases filed against protesters demanding Maratha reservation be withdrawn. The government should take action against the police officers who acted during the agitation. The safety of the protesters should be ensured and they should not be suppressed. The government has now approved Jarange’s primary demand to grant ‘Kunbi status to the Maratha community’.

—- End —-

Mumbai

Mumbai is a major port city on India’s west coast and the financial capital of the country. Originally a collection of seven islands inhabited by fishing communities, it was developed by the British East India Company in the 17th century and grew into a global trade center. Today, it is a bustling metropolis known for its Bollywood film industry and iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India.

Hyderabad Gazette

The Hyderabad Gazette was not a physical place but rather one of India’s earliest English-language newspapers, established in the 19th century. It served as an important source of news and information during the era of the Nizams’ rule in the Hyderabad State. The publication played a significant role in the political and social life of the region.

Azad Maidan

Azad Maidan is a large public ground in South Mumbai, India, historically significant as a common venue for political rallies, public gatherings, and protests. Its name, translating to “Free Maidan,” reflects its role in India’s independence movement, having hosted numerous speeches by nationalist leaders. Today, it remains a vital urban space for civic expression and major public events.

Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court is one of India’s oldest high courts, established in 1862 under the British Raj. Its iconic Gothic Revival building, completed in 1878, is a protected heritage site and remains a functioning seat of justice for the state of Maharashtra and the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Pimpalgaon

I am unable to provide a specific summary for “Pimpalgaon” as it is a common place name for several villages in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Without a specific district or context, its unique history and cultural significance cannot be accurately determined. For a proper summary, more specific details about the location would be needed.

Jalna

Jalna is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra, historically part of the Hyderabad State under the Nizams. It is known today as a major center for the production of oranges and for its significant military cantonment.

Marathwada

Marathwada is a historical region in Maharashtra, India, which was once part of the princely state of Hyderabad under the Nizams’ rule. It is renowned for its significant cultural landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves, a complex of ancient Buddhist rock-cut monuments featuring exquisite paintings and sculptures dating from the 2nd century BCE.