Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange begins fast over kunbi certificates

Manoj Jarange Patil, farmer turned activist, visits to support Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as they protest seeking resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange commenced his 11th hunger strike on Saturday (August 29 2026) at Antarwali Sarati in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, pressing for the issuance of Kunbi certificates to all 58 lakh applicants whose records were verified, including those whose applications were rejected during the caste scrutiny process.Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil arrived in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Friday (August 28) for discussions with the activist. The minister held a meeting with officials before the proposed fast.Vikhe Patil stated that only 0.3% of the applications have been rejected. “The government has issued certificates to those who applied, he claimed.”The minister said applicants who possess documents as per the government's regulations should submit their applications to district collectors within the next eight days. “The administration will process these applications on priority,” he added.Regarding the objections raised by Mr. Jarange over two to four specific certificates, Vikhe Patil said he has requested members of the caste scrutiny committee to reconsider these cases. He noted that some individuals have approached the High Court regarding these matters, making it a judicial issue.The State Government has provided data to Jarange indicating that out of 14,31,634 applicants who applied until August 24, a total of 14,24,634 individuals have received Kunbi certificates. According to government figures, 1,747 applications remain pending, while 5,248 applications have been rejected.However, Mr. Jarange has maintained his position that every individual among the 58 lakh recorded applicants must receive certificates.Government officials have stated that applications are not being received from all claimants. The data on pending applications has been shared with Mr. Jarange's team.Local organisations have decided to organise a rally of one thousand rickshaws from Dharashiv district in support of Mr. Jarange's agitation. “Thousands of workers from various parts of the district will participate,” the organsiers said.Workers will depart from different locations in rickshaws towards Antarwali Sarati. Published - August 29, 2026 12:51 pm IST