Overview
- Manoj Jarange began an indefinite hunger strike on August 29 and has set a September 11 deadline for a formal Government Resolution while calling Marathas to gather in Jalna on September 12.
- The state government says it has located 5.8 million Kunbi records, issued four GRs that expand educational concessions, released funds and launched training and scholarship directives, and has distributed Kunbi certificates to lakhs of youths.
- Jarange insists the government convert historical Hyderabad and Satara gazette entries into legally binding recognition that treats Marathas as Kunbi and extends OBC-category certificates, including provisions known as 'Sage-Soyre' or blood-relative conversions.
- Tensions have risen on the ground: police detained several OBC activists near the protest site and Jarange warned of a statewide shutdown if any Maratha protester is harmed, while he urges supporters to remain peaceful.
- The dispute has political weight because Marathas are a large vote bloc and past partial moves have provoked legal and caste-group opposition, so the coming days could determine whether administrative fixes hold or the agitation escalates.