Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange ended his five-day hunger strike on September 2, 2025, at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan after the Maharashtra government accepted significant demands related to Maratha community reservation. The move brought jubilant celebrations among the Maratha community, with followers marking the victory with gulal, crackers, and selfies across Mumbai.
Jarange, 43, broke his fast by drinking fruit juice offered by senior BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, head of the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation. The government resolution implementing the Hyderabad Gazette was a breakthrough, providing a clear process for Marathas to obtain Kunbi caste certificates, which grants them OBC status. The resolution detailed that verification would be conducted at the village level using historical records from the Nizam-era Hyderabad Gazette as a guide.
“This is a victory for the Maratha community,” Jarange declared amid cheers from his supporters. The hunger strike had demanded a 10% reservation quota for Marathas in education and government jobs. The government also promised to withdraw all cases filed against protesters by the end of September and provide compensation to families of those who died during the agitation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing that the government’s goal was to deliver justice fairly and lawfully. “Our focus has been on the welfare of the Marathas,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of all officials involved in the negotiations.
While not all demands were fully accepted, the agreement simplifies the process for Marathas with Kunbi lineage to receive OBC certificates, moving the community closer to securing reservation benefits. The announcement triggered widespread celebrations in Mumbai, revealing deep public engagement with the quota issue.
As the state government proceeds to implement the resolution, the Maratha community anticipates greater inclusion in educational institutions and public sector employment, marking a milestone in the longstanding quota agitation.
