In response to ongoing protests led by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, the Maharashtra government announced a set of measures aimed at persuading him to cease his demonstrations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Tuesday that while the government is committed to making decisions regarding the quota, it will not compromise the quotas of other communities to satisfy Patil’s demands.
The state government on Monday announced that it has issued four orders extending educational, financial and employment benefits to the Maratha community. Jarange-Patil, however, refused to call off his hunger strike and stopped drinking water and taking saline infusions, saying the agitation will intensify until all his demands are met. It also said that around 5.8 million records identified over the last three years would be made public to help eligible members of the Maratha community obtain Kunbi certificates. All educational concessions and facilities available to OBC students will now be available to Maratha students from the 2026-27 academic year. He has said that he would wait until September 11 before deciding on whether to shift his protest to Mumbai.
Fadnavis was asked about a late-night meeting at the chief minister’s official residence, Varsha, on Monday over the reservation issue, as well as minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil’s statement that a government delegation would not visit activist Manoj Jarange Patil again. “Whatever we have given to the Maratha community, we have given. Whatever decisions have been taken so far, we have taken them. But he emphasised that any additional relief would have to be in line with constitutional provisions and judicial orders. “Whatever is in the Constitution will definitely be given. Fadnavis stressed that the government has not closed its doors to negotiations, but added that it has addressed all the issues raised by the activist. However, the activist’s representatives could approach the government if they have any doubts. “If they have any doubts or feel there are gaps, they should raise them.
Whatever is subject to the court’s decision will be 100% given,” he said.
If further decisions have to be taken, we will take them,” Fadnavis said, underlining that the government had addressed almost all issues and that its decisions had resulted in tangible benefits for the community. Those doubts will be cleared,” he said.
