Manoj Jarange Patil: Agitation to continue till all Marathas get reservation

Stating that 57 lakh Kunbi records have been found and 39 lakh individuals have been issued caste certificates so far, Jarange Patil also expressed concern over those whose records have not been found.

Manoj Jarange Patil during the Maratha Reservation Front's march at Viman Nagar in Pune on January 24. (PTI Photo)

A day after the Maharashtra government accepted all demands of the Maratha community and also issued a gazette notification for expanding the scope of OBC category, quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil Sunday announced that his agitation will continue till Kunbi caste tertificates are issued to all Marathas.

“The agitation will continue till notification issued by the government is implemented. The agitation will continue till the last Maratha gets the Kunbi caste certificate,” Jarange Patil told mediapersons in Antarwali-Saraati in Jalna district.

Jarange Patil arrived in Antarwali-Saraati Saturday evening where he was given a rousing welcome.
“Marathas have won this battle 100 per cent. There is no reason to doubt government intention. But till all Marathas get reservation, our agitation will continue,” he said.

“The government has issued draft rules of amending the Act to expand the OBC category. Till the government implements the gazette notification, the agitation will continue… After the first caste certificate is issued, we will hold our victory rally… I have urged the government to start implementing the notification regarding ‘’sage soyre’ (relatives from a family tree) from tomorrow. The notification is both for OBCs and Marathas,” he added.
When asked about Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s statement that not all cases against agitators will be withdrawn, Jarange Patil, “If that is the case, then the agitation will continue… Let him say what he wants to.”
Asked about Minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s criticism of the government decision, Jarange Patil said, “The way he is raising the decibel level, it shows the government move is on the right path. We don’t care about his statements. He has been making such statements and let him continue.”

The activist said, “The notification issued by the government will be converted into a law. The opponents will submit their objections. We should also submit our suggestions and support to the notification. Marathas should express their support to the notification on social media as well.”

Stating that 57 lakh Kunbi records have been found and 39 lakh individuals have been issued caste certificates so far, Jarange Patil also expressed concern over those whose records have not been found.

“There was a big question mark about those whose Kunbi records have not been found. Since ‘sage-soyre’ word has been included in the notification, those whose Kunbi records have been found should submit an affidavit of their close relatives. If that record is false, then that person will lose his or her reservation. But our demand is that the close relatives of those whose Kunbi record has been found should also at least get one caste certificate.”

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Citing an earlier law passed by the state government, he also emphasised that the law should not remain on paper,
“If a law is made, but if it does not benefit, then what is its use? A law was passed on June 1, 2004 which said that Marathas and Kunbis are one and the same. Eighteen years have passed, but it has not benefitted anyone,” Jarange Patil said.

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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