Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sept 8: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on Monday delivered a fresh ultimatum to the Maharashtra government, demanding that the process of issuing Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Maratha community members must begin by September 17, coinciding with Marathwada Mukti Sangram Day.

Addressing the media, Jarange-Patil urged the Devendra Fadnavis-led MahaYuti government to bring the matter into the cabinet either on Tuesday or Wednesday, warning that any delay or deviation from the announced resolution would force him to escalate his agitation.

Jarange-Patil had recently ended a five-day protest in Mumbai after the government issued a resolution allowing the use of the Hyderabad Gazetteer to grant Kunbi certificates to Marathas — a move intended to facilitate reservation under the OBC category. However, he cautioned the state not to tamper with the resolution or delay its implementation.

“Do not interfere. Maratha children must receive the benefits promised. Begin issuing the Kunbi certificates by September 17, and involve village committees to identify eligible individuals. If nothing happens by then, we will be compelled to act,” he said firmly.

The activist said he is confident the government will stay true to its word and that the Maratha community is on the brink of securing full reservation in the Marathwada region through this move. He reiterated that the community must remain patient and composed while waiting for the promises to materialize.

Jarange-Patil also issued a pointed warning: if the Hyderabad Gazetteer is not implemented properly, the Maratha leadership would announce its stand at the upcoming Dussehra rally.

He claimed that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil had all committed to implementing the Gazetteer-based process. “Extend the Kunbi certificates to all unregistered Marathas in every village, based on Gazetteer entries,” he demanded.

Taking aim at OBC leader and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who has expressed intent to challenge the Gazetteer-based resolution in court, Jarange-Patil issued a stark warning:

“If you interfere or try to manipulate the GR (Government Resolution) even slightly based on anyone’s advice — including Chhagan Bhujbal — we will challenge the 1994 GR that granted OBC reservations. If you backtrack, we will only intensify our movement.”

He went on to threaten political consequences for Bhujbal, saying, “If you create obstacles for our GR, you will not be allowed to move freely in the state.”

Despite the confrontational tone, Jarange-Patil expressed hope that Deputy CM Fadnavis would honour the government’s promise and avoid sparking fresh unrest.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis has reiterated the government’s balanced stance, assuring both Marathas and OBCs that their respective rights will be protected.

“There will be no attempt to pit the two communities against each other. If the name of a person’s grandfather or great-grandfather appears in the Hyderabad Gazetteer under the Kunbi caste, they will receive the benefits and later a certificate, as per the rules,” Fadnavis said.

The high-stakes situation now hinges on the government’s action — or inaction — by September 17, with Jarange-Patil and the Maratha community watching closely.