Maratha Quota Showdown: Jarange-Patil Declares 'Chalo Mumbai' for OBC Inclusion

Mumbai braces for a massive mobilization as Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has issued a resounding call for a "Chalo Mumbai" march on October 14. This declaration signals a powerful resurgence of the long-standing Maratha quota agitation, aiming to pressure the Maharashtra government into granting the community reservation under the existing Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

Jarange-Patil, whose recent hunger strike in Jalna captivated the state and temporarily concluded with assurances from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government's perceived slow progress.

"We ended our agitation based on the Chief Minister's word that our demands would be met within 40 days," Jarange-Patil stated, emphasizing the urgency and the community's dwindling patience. "However, the government's pace is unacceptable. We need immediate action, not just promises."

The core of Jarange-Patil's renewed demands remains unwavering: the immediate implementation of the draft notification concerning 'sage-soyare' (blood relatives of Kunbis) and the recognition of Marathas as Kunbis, thereby enabling their inclusion in the OBC category.

He adamantly rejects any proposals for a separate quota for Marathas, citing concerns about its legal tenability and the potential for it to face challenges similar to the ill-fated Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act of 2018, which was ultimately struck down by the Supreme Court.

The activist also reiterated the demand for the withdrawal of all cases filed against Maratha protestors during previous agitations, viewing it as a crucial step towards fostering trust and reconciliation.

The Maharashtra government, currently awaiting the final report of the Justice Sandeep Kumar Sakhe-Patil Committee on the Maratha quota, finds itself in a precarious position, grappling with the immense political pressure and the risk of widespread disruption.

Jarange-Patil's strategy highlights a clear stance: Marathas, historically agriculturalists, should rightfully be classified as Kunbis (an OBC sub-caste traditionally involved in farming).

This approach seeks to bypass the complexities of creating a new, separate quota, which often faces constitutional scrutiny regarding the 50% reservation cap. The "Chalo Mumbai" march is not merely a protest; it is projected as a massive show of strength, with hundreds of thousands expected to descend upon the state capital, potentially paralyzing daily life and forcing the government's hand.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Shinde-Fadnavis-Pawar government to navigate this sensitive issue.

The upcoming march underscores the profound determination of the Maratha community to secure what they believe is their rightful place within the reservation framework, ensuring that their voices are not just heard, but acted upon.