Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jaranges Protest in Mumbai: What to Expect

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange claims 54 lakh records found in Maharashtra identifying Marathas as Kunbi OBC sub-caste, demands immediate issuance of caste certificates. His Mumbai protest promises to be peaceful and democratic, with no disruption to the citys daily life.

Pune, January 24: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange made a significant claim on Wednesday, asserting that 54 lakh records have been discovered in Maharashtra identifying members of the Maratha community as belonging to the Kunbi Other Backward Class (OBC) sub-caste. Jarange emphasized the urgency of issuing caste certificates to these individuals and assured that his upcoming protest in Mumbai will be peaceful and democratic, without disrupting the city's daily life.

Jarange's March Towards Mumbai

On January 20, Jarange embarked on a march from Jalna district towards Mumbai, accompanied by thousands of supporters. Their primary demand is for the state government to grant quota to Marathas under the OBC category in both jobs and education. The procession, consisting of numerous vehicles, passed through Pune city on Wednesday en route to Mumbai, where it is scheduled to culminate on January 26.

Elaborate Security Arrangements in Pune

In preparation for the morcha's arrival, Pune Police implemented traffic diversions and comprehensive security measures. Jarange had previously announced his intention to launch an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from January 26 if the state government failed to address their demand for reservation in government jobs and education.

Demand for Kunbi Caste Certificates

Jarange highlighted the discovery of 54 lakh records indicating that a substantial number of Maratha community members belong to the agrarian Kunbi community. He asserted that these individuals and their descendants should be promptly issued Kunbi caste certificates.

Maharashtra Government's Response

In December 2022, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced plans to hold a special session of the state legislature in February 2024, if necessary, to address the issue of reservation for the Maratha community. However, Jarange expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response, emphasizing that they had seven months to act on the quota demand.

Growing Support for Jarange

A Maratha leader accompanying Jarange reported a surge in support for the activist, with the number of participants in the morcha increasing as it approached Mumbai. The march was scheduled to halt in Lonavala on Wednesday evening before resuming its journey towards Mumbai on Thursday.

Peaceful Protest in Mumbai

Speaking to reporters later in the day, Jarange reiterated that the protest in Mumbai would be conducted peacefully. He dismissed concerns about traffic disruptions, stating that Mumbai has numerous roads and they would only occupy one. Jarange emphasized their intention to carry out the protest in a democratic and peaceful manner, without causing inconvenience to the city's residents.

Previous Protests and Legal Challenges

Jarange has a history of resorting to fast-unto-death protests to demand Maratha quota. His past actions prompted the government to establish a committee to investigate the OBC antecedents of Maratha community members from the Marathwada region. Recently, Chief Minister Shinde announced a survey by the State Backward Classes Commission to assess the educational, social, and financial backwardness of the Maratha community.

It is important to note that the Supreme Court had quashed the Maharashtra law granting reservations to Marathas in admissions and government jobs in 2021. The state government subsequently filed a curative petition in the apex court challenging the judgment.

Manoj Jarange's claims regarding the identification of Maratha community members as Kunbi OBC have added a new dimension to the ongoing quota demand. As the morcha proceeds towards Mumbai, the state government faces pressure to address the concerns of the Maratha community while ensuring public order and minimizing disruptions to daily life in the city.