Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 31: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange continued his indefinite fast at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra’s Jalna district on Sunday, demanding recognition of Marathas as Kunbis and other benefits, as the state government indicated that it was ready to discuss demands that are constitutionally and legally sustainable.

Jarange began his indefinite fast on August 29 and has set September 12 as the deadline for the government to accept his demands. He has warned of intensified protests in Mumbai if there is no resolution.

The principal demand is recognition of Marathas as Kunbis, which would enable eligible members of the community to access reservation benefits available to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in education and government employment. Jarange has also sought implementation of provisions based on the Satara Gazette, withdrawal of police cases registered against quota protesters and compensation and government jobs for families affected by earlier Maratha reservation agitations.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday that the government was willing to discuss demands that could withstand legal scrutiny. He stressed that any solution must provide benefits to the Maratha community without affecting reservations currently available to other communities.

“Earlier also we found a way to address their issues, and we are going forward to resolve their demands. Similarly, Eknath Shinde is also very sensitive to these issues from the very beginning,” Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis also said government representatives had been present at the Parbhani event to engage with protesters and understand their concerns. He maintained that the government would consider only demands compatible with the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also reiterated the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of the Maratha community without disturbing the existing OBC quota.

“The government is willing to discuss and resolve demands that fall within the limits of the law and the rulings of the Supreme Court,” Shinde said.

Shinde attended a rally in Parbhani despite opposition from Jarange. The rally witnessed protests by some of Jarange's supporters, with police detaining some individuals. Shinde said the programme could not be cancelled at the last moment and assured the gathering that the government remained committed to delivering justice to the Maratha community.

Jarange remained firm on his demands on the second day of his fast, particularly the issue of Kunbi caste certificates. He has claimed that 58 lakh records have been found establishing genealogical links between Marathas and Kunbis and alleged that the government was attempting to reduce the number.

The activist has also pressed for the withdrawal of cases filed against those who participated in previous quota protests, besides seeking government employment and financial assistance for families affected by the agitation.

The state government, meanwhile, has continued discussions with Jarange's representatives. Fadnavis and Shinde have both maintained that any decision on the demands must remain within constitutional provisions and the legal framework laid down by the Supreme Court.

With Jarange refusing to withdraw his fast and threatening a fresh mobilisation in Mumbai, the government faces the challenge of finding a legally sustainable solution while protecting the reservation rights of other communities.