As activist Manoj Jarange Patil's indefinite hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation and Kunbi caste certificates entered its fifth day on 2 September, the Maharashtra state government laid out a detailed account of steps already taken — and appealed directly to the activist to suspend his fast and return to the negotiating table.

Government's Position and Key Steps Taken

At a joint press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Cabinet Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Uday Samant disclosed that the District Collector of Jalna had personally visited Jarange Patil to deliver the government's draft proposal on the issuance of Kunbi certificates. A pen drive carrying records of 58 lakh entries was also handed over to the activist. The administration said it is awaiting his response before proceeding further.

Special camps will be held across all administrative circles from 10 September to 17 September to process applications and issue certificates, the ministers confirmed. A Nodal Officer will be appointed in each district to oversee the process, and a dedicated Maratha Cell has already been established — having processed 2.5 lakh applications to date.

Certificates, Cases, and Compensation

More than 3,500 certificates have been issued under the Hyderabad Gazette framework so far, with standard operating procedures currently being monitored by district collectors. Separately, the government said it has withdrawn 90% of police cases registered against Maratha protesters, with only 118 cases still pending legal resolution.

Of 222 applications submitted for financial aid and employment for families of those who lost their lives during the agitation, 33 individuals have already joined government services, 85 applications are under active processing, and 40 claims were filed under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) employment scheme. A special camp will be organised in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to resolve the remaining MIDC claims.

Student Benefits and Hostel Expansion

Maratha students are being extended benefits on par with Other Backward Class (OBC) students. In cases where a Kunbi certificate application is rejected, the student's educational fees will be covered under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme. The SARTHI organisation has also constructed eight hostels, each with a capacity of 1,000 students, with plans to extend hostel construction to the taluka level.

Legal Caution on the Satara Gazette

The state has sought advice from the Advocate General regarding the Satara Gazette. Ministers emphasised that implementing the Satara Gazette must not undermine the legal standing of the Hyderabad Gazette in ongoing court challenges — a note of caution that signals the government is navigating complex judicial terrain as it tries to satisfy the movement's demands without triggering fresh legal setbacks.

Political Dimension and the Appeal to Jarange Patil

Minister Vikhe Patil credited the 10% reservation decision under former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and an earlier 16% reservation under the Devendra Fadnavis-led government as evidence of the ruling dispensation's commitment to the cause. He also took an indirect swipe at Opposition leader Sharad Pawar, arguing that the current impasse traces back to political decisions made in 1994 during the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations.

Closing the press conference with a direct appeal, Vikhe Patil said: 'We are taking two steps forward and remain open to revisions. We urge the protesters to engage in dialogue so we can resolve this matter constructively.' This comes amid growing concern over Jarange Patil's health as his fast extends into its fifth day with no immediate sign of resolution.