📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Jamsayyad
Politics
Matang Community Launches Morcha After Manoj Jarange‑Patil’s Fast Over Maharashtra Quota Issue
✍️ India Today
🗓 21 Sep 2026, 11:01 AM
👁 11
The Matang community began a protest march following activist Manoj Jarange‑Patil’s hunger strike demanding clarification on Maharashtra’s reservation quota.
The Matang community started a statewide morcha on Saturday, rallying in several towns after activist Manoj Jarange‑Patil ended a fast he began to press for a clear stance on the state’s reservation quota. Organisers said the protest aims to pressure the Maharashtra government to address perceived gaps in the allocation of seats for socially disadvantaged groups.
Jarange‑Patil, a prominent Matang leader, began his hunger strike last week, alleging that the current quota formula marginalises the community despite constitutional guarantees. He called for a review of the percentage of seats reserved for Matang candidates in education and public‑sector jobs.
State officials have so far responded that the quota policy is under review and that any changes will follow a legal and consultative process. The department of social justice, however, declined to give a specific timeline, urging the protesters to submit formal petitions.
The morcha, which includes processions, sit‑ins and public meetings, is expected to continue for several days, with leaders warning that they will expand the protest if their demands are not met promptly.
Jarange‑Patil, a prominent Matang leader, began his hunger strike last week, alleging that the current quota formula marginalises the community despite constitutional guarantees. He called for a review of the percentage of seats reserved for Matang candidates in education and public‑sector jobs.
State officials have so far responded that the quota policy is under review and that any changes will follow a legal and consultative process. The department of social justice, however, declined to give a specific timeline, urging the protesters to submit formal petitions.
The morcha, which includes processions, sit‑ins and public meetings, is expected to continue for several days, with leaders warning that they will expand the protest if their demands are not met promptly.