Maharashtra OBC activists launch hunger strike to counter Manoj Jarange's protest

Five OBC activists, including Mangesh Sasane, began an indefinite hunger strike in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, demanding protection of the existing OBC quota.Their protest at Antarwali Sarati village is aimed at countering the demands of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who has also been on an indefinite hunger strike there for several days.The OBC activists have urged the Maharashtra government not to take any step that could dilute their community’s reservation rights.Jarange is demanding Kunbi certificates for eligible Marathas based on nearly 58 lakh records traced by a government-appointed committee. He has also sought the implementation of the Hyderabad State Gazette, which identifies some Maratha families as belonging to the agrarian Kunbi community. Kunbis are classified as Other Backward Classes and are entitled to reservation benefits. Jarange has demanded that the government issue a formal resolution by September 12, explaining how the records will be verified and the certificates granted.The two protest venues are located close to each other, raising concerns about renewed tensions between the Maratha and OBC communities. A heavy police contingent has been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incident. - Ends(With inputs from Gaurav Vijay Sali)Published By: Aprameya RaoPublished On: Sep 6, 2026 23:59 IST