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The Shinde Committee assured the Maratha quota activist that his demands would be conveyed to the Maharashtra government and the cabinet
As Manoj Jarange’s hunger strike at Azad Maidan enters a critical phase, the pressure on the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government continues to mount. File image/PTI
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday held an intense discussion with the Justice (Retd) Sandeep Shinde Committee at Azad Maidan, where he is currently on a hunger strike. Jarange reiterated his long-standing demand: the government must immediately declare that Marathas in Marathwada belong to the Kunbi category and start issuing caste certificates from Sunday morning itself.
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The Shinde Committee, which has been studying old records and gazette documents for the past 13 months, visited Jarange at his protest site. During the meeting, the committee discussed Kunbi references found in the gazetteers of Satara and Hyderabad. But Jarange made it clear that he would not allow any further delay.
“I will not give even one minute’s time for Satara and Hyderabad gazetteers. There is enough proof. Announce that Marathas in Marathwada are Kunbi and start issuing certificates tomorrow. For the Aundh and Bombay Government Gazette, I am willing to give two months instead of six. But Satara and Hyderabad records must be implemented immediately,” Jarange told the committee.
Justice Shinde responded by saying that there is a process involved, and it may take some time. But Jarange was unrelenting. “You have everything in your hands—government, administration, governor. It will only take ten minutes to issue an order. From Sunday morning, certificates must be given,” he insisted.
Along with this central demand, Jarange also raised two more issues. He called for the withdrawal of all police cases filed against protesters during the Maratha agitation. He further demanded that the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the reservation cause must be compensated with Rs 10 lakh and one government job. “Their households are in distress. At least help their children with education and livelihood. On this, I will accept no compromise,” he said.
The Shinde Committee assured Jarange that his demands would be conveyed to the government and the cabinet. But Jarange’s words reflected impatience with repeated delays and assurances. As his hunger strike at Azad Maidan enters a critical phase, the pressure on the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government continues to mount. The next 48 hours will decide whether the government can find a middle path—or whether Jarange’s agitation will escalate further.
About the Author
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
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