Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, 17 September 2026, expressed relief after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil called off his 20-day hunger strike, saying the state government had accepted 12 of his 13 demands. The standoff, which had heightened tensions ahead of the festive season, ended peacefully following talks between Jarange Patil and a government delegation in Patoda, Beed district.

What the Chief Minister Said

Addressing mediapersons, Fadnavis said he was glad the agitation had concluded without disruption to upcoming celebrations. 'We are glad that Manoj Jarange Patil has called off his hunger strike. We had urged him to do so. Out of his 13 demands, 12 have been accepted by the government. One demand could not be fulfilled due to legal constraints, which was duly communicated to him,' the Chief Minister stated.

Fadnavis assured that commitments made by the cabinet sub-committee would be strictly implemented, with necessary meetings and administrative steps to follow. He also claimed that no previous administration had taken as many concrete decisions for the welfare of the Maratha community as the current government, adding that 'our doors remain open.'

Key Assurances Given by the Government Delegation

The government team — comprising Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Dadaji Bhuse, legislators Prasad Lad and Suresh Dhas, and the Beed District Collector — offered Jarange Patil a set of binding assurances. These include the implementation of the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes within three months through a Government Resolution (GR), issuance of a revised GR to grant Kunbi certificates in line with the Hyderabad Gazette, continued validation of certificates already issued under the Hyderabad Gazette, no reduction in the 58 lakh Kunbi records identified by the Shinde Committee, and validation of revoked Kunbi certificates of four elected representatives from Marathwada.

Jarange Patil's Conditions and Ultimatum

Announcing the suspension — not withdrawal — of his strike, Jarange Patil made clear the broader agitation would continue until the community's demands were fully met. He granted the government a 90-day deadline to implement the Satara Gazette, warning that if the government failed to follow through, he would march to Mumbai.

Notably, Jarange Patil emphasised that the community's dignity mattered more than reservations, and cautioned that he would not stay silent if ministers publicly criticised the movement. He also asked supporters to treat Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister Vikhe Patil with respect, despite any prior disagreements.

Political Context and What Comes Next

Chief Minister Fadnavis credited Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and legislator Prasad Lad for their mediation efforts. This comes amid a prolonged political and legal battle over Maratha reservation, which has seen multiple rounds of agitation, court stays, and legislative attempts since 2018. The Maratha community's demand for Other Backward Class (OBC) status — particularly through the recognition of Kunbi lineage — has repeatedly tested successive Maharashtra governments.

With a 90-day clock now running on gazette implementation, the government faces a credibility test on delivery. Whether the promised GRs translate into tangible community benefits will determine if this pause holds or gives way to a fresh escalation.