Maratha Quota Row: 'Govt found solution in community’s interest,' says Fadnavis

Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday welcomed activist Manoj Jarange’s decision to end his five-day hunger strike over the Maratha quota issue, saying the government had worked out a solution in the community’s interest.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis stressed that his government has always prioritized the welfare of the Maratha community. Jarange, who began his fast on August 29, called it off after the state accepted most of his demands, including granting eligible Marathas Kunbi caste certificates—making them entitled to reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

The 43-year-old activist ended his protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Tuesday afternoon, drinking a glass of fruit juice offered by senior BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, head of the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation.

Expressing relief, Fadnavis said he was “happy” with Jarange’s decision. He thanked Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, as well as Vikhe Patil, for their role in the negotiations. The CM clarified that caste certificates could be issued to eligible individuals, not to the community as a whole.

“In politics, criticism should not deter us. Our aim is to ensure justice for the Maratha community,” Fadnavis remarked, adding that his government would continue to work for the welfare of both Marathas and OBCs.

He further explained that legal aspects of Jarange’s demands had been conveyed to the activist. Addressing concerns raised by OBC groups, Fadnavis said there was a “misconception” about Maratha reservation affecting their rights, but those fears were “unfounded.”