CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has declared an all-out war against the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government, accusing it of betraying the Maratha community by deliberately delaying the implementation of promises made on Kunbi caste certificates and reservation benefits.

In a press conference on Thursday, Jarange announced that he will begin an indefinite hunger strike from May 30 at his native village Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district. He warned that the protest will continue “under the scorching sun” without food, water, or shade until the government issues a Government Resolution (GR) extending the benefits of the Satara, Kolhapur, and Aundh princely states’ records to all eligible Marathas.

During his press conference Jarange launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of “backtracking” on assurances given last year. “The government has not implemented even a single promise made nine months ago. They are playing with the future of lakhs of Maratha youth,” he said. He alleged that the Fadnavis administration is under pressure from OBC groups and is intentionally slowing down the process of issuing Kunbi certificates.

The activist gave the government a final deadline of May 29 to fulfil the demands. “If they fail to act, we will fight the toughest battle yet. This time, we will not back down,” Jarange declared, adding that the movement will spread across Maharashtra if the government remains unresponsive.

The fresh agitation comes nearly nine months after Jarange’s high-profile protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan in September 2025, which forced the Mahayuti government to issue a GR on Kunbi certificates. However, activists claim the process has been deliberately sluggish, leaving thousands of Maratha families without benefits.

Political observers say the renewed protest poses a fresh challenge to the Fadnavis government, which is already navigating multiple political and social issues. The Maratha community, which forms a significant vote bank, has been demanding 10% reservation under the OBC category or a separate quota.