Chief Minister’s Gesture: Maratha Reservation Activist Manoj Jarange Patil Ends Protest with Publicly Shared Juice

Navi Mumbai, 27th January 2024: In a significant development, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has called off his protest advocating for reservation in government jobs and education for Maratha communities in Maharashtra. The protest concluded after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accepted the demands put forth by the activists.

Jarange Patil commended Chief Minister Shinde for his efforts in resolving the issue, stating, “Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has done a good job. Our protest is now over. Our request has been accepted.” The activist officially ended his fast by drinking juice offered by Chief Minister Shinde in a public gathering attended by a large crowd of supporters.

The Maharashtra Government, in response to the protest, issued a Government Resolution (GR) on caste reservation. Minister of Marathi Language of Maharashtra and Guardian Minister of Mumbai City District Deepak Kesarkar along with Minister of Tourism, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of Maharashtra and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban Mangal Prabhat Lodha presented a letter confirming the acceptance of all demands to Manoj Jarange Patil.

Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha emphasized that a solution had been reached, stating, “The movement has reached a solution.” As part of the agreement, the government committed to initiating the process of issuing caste certificates for those whose data had been compiled. Additionally, cases against Marathas registered during the reservation protests are set to be withdrawn.

One of the key demands put forth by Jarange Patil, involving an extension of the time frame for the Shinde Committee to examine records in Marathwada, was also accepted by the government. The Government Resolution on the Maratha reservation is expected to be converted into law during the upcoming legislative session in February.

The Maratha community, constituting around 33% of Maharashtra’s population, has been advocating for reservation for over a decade. The recent resolution and acceptance of demands mark a significant development in addressing the longstanding issue that has led to protests and legal challenges over the years.