Will Jarange-Patil's Ultimatum Force the Maha Govt to Issue Kunbi Certificates by September 17?

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sep 8 (NationPress) Pro-Maratha quota advocate Manoj Jarange-Patil has issued a deadline to the Maharashtra government, insisting that the distribution of Kunbi certificates for members of the Maratha community commence by September 17, a date commemorated as Marathwada Mukti Sangram Day.

He has urged the Devendra Fadnavis-led MahaYuti government to address this matter in the cabinet meeting scheduled for either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Jarange-Patil concluded a five-day protest in Mumbai last week following the state's commitment to utilize the Hyderabad Gazetteer for issuing Kunbi certificates to Marathas, warning against any changes to this plan.

He emphasized the necessity of activating village committees and cautioned that if no resolution is reached by September 17, he will be compelled to take further action.

“Interference must be avoided. The benefits promised in the resolution must reach Maratha children, and Kunbi certificates must be issued promptly,” he stated.

Jarange-Patil expressed that once the government starts implementing the resolution, the Maratha community in Marathwada will enjoy full reservation rights. He reassured the community to remain calm, stating, “We must accept both victory and setbacks with patience.”

He warned that failure to implement the Hyderabad Gazetteer swiftly would lead the Maratha leadership to declare its stance against the government during the upcoming Dussehra festivities.

“Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, have assured the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazetteer. Begin issuing Kunbi certificates to Marathas by September 17. These certificates should be extended to all unregistered Marathas in each village based on the Gazetteer entries,” he reiterated.

Jarange-Patil expressed confidence that the government would honor its commitment to issue Kunbi certificates per the Hyderabad Gazetteer.

“The Marathas have always prevailed. We have fought hard. Any attempts to modify the resolution will necessitate a change in government. We demand the issuance of the certificates without further complications. There will be no tolerance for mistakes. It was publicly stated that the GR of the Hyderabad Gazetteer would be enacted, and the Chief Minister guaranteed its execution,” he added.

In a veiled critique, Jarange-Patil addressed state Minister and veteran OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal regarding his intention to challenge the GR in court.

“If you heed outside influence and implement changes to the GR based on such advice, we will contest the 1994 GR that grants reservations to OBCs, which may also face revocation. Should you renege on your promises, we will escalate our efforts,” he warned.

He further cautioned, “If you (Chhagan Bhujbal) cause disruptions regarding our GR, you will face severe consequences in the state.”

Jarange-Patil expressed optimism that Fadnavis will uphold the government’s commitments and avoid provoking the Maratha community.

After Jarange-Patil concluded his hunger strike following the government’s assurances, Fadnavis stated, “Marathas will receive their rightful benefits, and OBCs will also be accommodated. There will be no attempts to create discord between the two communities. The state government has made fair decisions that benefit both Marathas and OBCs equally. The Hyderabad Gazetteer will serve as validation: if a person's grandfather or great-grandfather's name is listed under the Kunbi caste, they will qualify for the benefits and subsequently receive a certificate in accordance with established norms. The government will not permit any conflict between the Maratha and OBC communities on this matter.”