Maratha Aarakshan Latest News: Government Resolution Sparks Relief and Controversy

The debate over Maratha Aarakshan (reservation for Marathas) has once again taken center stage in Maharashtra politics. In recent days, a series of dramatic events unfolded—ranging from government announcements to activist Manoj Jarange-Patil’s hunger strike and the Bombay High Court’s intervention. While the state government celebrated a breakthrough, the decision has triggered strong opposition from OBC groups, raising new questions about the future of caste-based quotas in India’s most politically sensitive state.

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Background: Why Maratha Aarakshan Matters

The demand for Maratha reservation is not new. The Maratha community, which makes up around 30% of Maharashtra’s population, has been pressing for inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category to gain benefits in education, employment, and politics.

In 2018, the Maharashtra government passed the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act granting Marathas 16% reservation, but in 2021 the Supreme Court struck it down, ruling that it exceeded the 50% cap on quotas. Since then, the demand has resurfaced periodically, often leading to large-scale protests.

This year, the movement gained momentum again under activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who spearheaded indefinite fasts demanding permanent legal recognition of Marathas as Kunbis (an OBC sub-caste) to secure reservation rights.

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The New Government Resolution

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a fresh Government Resolution (GR) that allows Marathas to access OBC quota benefits—but with conditions.

• The resolution is based on historical records, especially the Hyderabad Gazetteer, which documents Kunbi identities.
• Eligible Marathas without land documents can submit affidavits at the village level.
• Special committees will verify claims and issue Kunbi caste certificates.

This was seen as a middle path—granting Marathas entry into reservation while maintaining legal safeguards.

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Manoj Jarange Ends Hunger Strike

The breakthrough came when activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who had been on a five-day indefinite hunger strike, announced he was ending his fast.

“We have won. Six out of eight of our demands have been accepted,” Jarange declared, calling the GR a “historic victory for the Maratha community.”

His decision brought relief to thousands of supporters who had gathered at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, in solidarity.

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Opposition from OBC Groups

However, the resolution sparked immediate backlash from OBC organizations. Leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal and OBC activists warned that the GR amounted to a “backdoor entry” for Marathas into the OBC quota.

Their concerns include:

• Dilution of existing OBC reservations.
• Lack of transparency in issuing Kunbi certificates.
• Fear of political favoritism in verification.

Some OBC groups have already threatened statewide protests unless the government clarifies how existing OBC rights will be protected.

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High Court Orders Protesters to Vacate

The Bombay High Court also intervened, ordering Jarange’s supporters to vacate Azad Maidan by 3 PM or face legal action. The court stressed that while protests are democratic rights, they must not disturb public order or obstruct essential services.

This reflects the delicate balance between law, order, and social justice movements in Maharashtra.

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Political Voices and Reactions

• Jayant Patil (NCP) highlighted the constitutional 50% ceiling on reservations, warning against hasty political promises.
• Vinay Kore (MLA) called for an inclusive solution that ensures Maratha upliftment without harming OBCs.
• Raje Mudhoji Bhonsle, a descendant of the Maratha royal family, clarified that he supports reservation for Marathas, provided it does not take away from other communities.

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What Lies Ahead for Maratha Aarakshan?

While the hunger strike has ended, the Maratha Aarakshan issue is far from resolved. The next steps will involve:

1. Verification of Applications – Thousands of Marathas are expected to apply for Kunbi certificates.
2. Legal Challenges – OBC groups may move courts to block what they call unfair inclusion.
3. Political Fallout – With state elections approaching, political parties will try to use Maratha reservation as an electoral issue.
4. Judicial Oversight – Any expansion of quota beyond the constitutional limit will face scrutiny by the Supreme Court.

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Conclusion

The Maratha Aarakshan movement is at a critical juncture. While the government’s resolution has brought temporary relief and ended Jarange’s protest, it has also ignited a fresh wave of resentment among OBC communities. Whether this compromise will hold or collapse under legal and political pressure remains to be seen.

For now, the Maratha community celebrates a partial victory, but the path to permanent reservation remains uncertain.