📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bollywood Hungama
Politics
Maratha reservation protest: Leader Manoj Jarge ends 20‑day fast, gives Maharashtra government a reprieve
✍️ Amar Ujala · Maharashtra
🗓 17 Sep 2026, 08:00 AM
👁 7
After a 20‑day hunger strike, Maratha leader Manoj Jarge called off his fast and granted the Maharashtra government a brief window to address the reservation demand.
Manoj Jarge, a prominent figure in the Maratha reservation movement, announced the conclusion of his 20‑day fast on Saturday. The protest, which began in early March, aimed to pressure the state government to implement a separate reservation quota for the Maratha community.
In a brief statement, Jarge said he was ending the fast to allow the Maharashtra administration a short period to consider the demands and engage in dialogue. He emphasized that the decision was taken to avoid further hardship for the protestors while still keeping the issue on the political agenda.
The cessation of the hunger strike comes after weeks of rallies and public gatherings across the state, drawing attention from both supporters and opposition parties. State officials have not yet disclosed the exact timeline they will use to respond to the movement's demands.
Analysts note that the move could open space for negotiations, but the final outcome will depend on how quickly the government can formulate a policy response that balances legal constraints with community expectations.
The Maratha reservation issue remains a contentious topic in Maharashtra politics, and the next steps will be closely watched by stakeholders across the region.
In a brief statement, Jarge said he was ending the fast to allow the Maharashtra administration a short period to consider the demands and engage in dialogue. He emphasized that the decision was taken to avoid further hardship for the protestors while still keeping the issue on the political agenda.
The cessation of the hunger strike comes after weeks of rallies and public gatherings across the state, drawing attention from both supporters and opposition parties. State officials have not yet disclosed the exact timeline they will use to respond to the movement's demands.
Analysts note that the move could open space for negotiations, but the final outcome will depend on how quickly the government can formulate a policy response that balances legal constraints with community expectations.
The Maratha reservation issue remains a contentious topic in Maharashtra politics, and the next steps will be closely watched by stakeholders across the region.