Overview
- Manoj Jarange-Patil announced on Wednesday that he wants Kunbi/OBC caste certificates issued by August 28 for 5.8 million records and warned of a “final and decisive” statewide agitation from August 29 if demands are not met.
- Jarange also demanded withdrawal of police cases against Maratha protesters and said he will not call off the protest until all cases are withdrawn.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded by saying caste certificates have been issued to applicants, that only a small number of cases remain pending, and that the government is open to talks.
- The certificates Jarange seeks are based on entries in the historical Hyderabad Gazette, which activists say would let Marathas access OBC/SEBC job and education reservations and welfare schemes.
- If talks fail before the deadline, the movement could renew large-scale mobilization and political pressure in Maharashtra and raise the risk of clashes given past protests and existing FIRs.