Maharashtra Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on Monday, 14 September 2026, stated that the Maratha reservation issue cannot be resolved simply by obtaining the signature of the Chhatrapati family. Speaking to reporters in Satara, he underscored that a durable solution demands a robust legal framework, full judicial scrutiny, and the completion of all administrative requirements.

What the Minister Said

Minister Bhosale was unequivocal that the Maharashtra government remains committed to granting reservation to the Maratha community, but cautioned against rushed or legally fragile measures. 'Rather than making a rushed, temporary decision that deceives the community, it is crucial to secure a legally robust reservation that will stand up in court,' he said.

He stressed that without compiling all necessary evidence and completing due administrative procedures, any reservation granted would not be sustainable. 'This entire process will have to go through the work of the Justice Shinde Committee, guidance from retired judges, and judicial scrutiny. One must understand the reality that this matter will not be solved overnight just because someone from the Chhatrapati family signs on it,' Bhosale remarked.

Appeal to Jarange Patil

The minister also appealed to prominent Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil to cooperate with the ongoing legal process rather than escalating agitation. Bhosale urged protesters to exercise patience and extend support to administrative efforts so that the community receives reservation 'as a matter of right.'

His remarks came directly after Jarange Patil announced an indefinite hunger strike beginning 19 September in Mumbai, demanding Maratha reservation. Refusing to stand down, Jarange Patil called upon the community to remain firm. 'We cannot let the Maratha community lose. Wherever my body falls, it falls. But Marathas must fight with such pride that future generations hold their heads high, saying that he died but never backed down,' he declared.

Jarange Patil's Escalation and Political Charge

Jarange Patil went further by targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alleging a deliberate political strategy to suppress the agitation. 'We have to counter Devendra Fadnavis's moves step for step. Their strategy has been to use the cover of deities to defame the Maratha movement, instigate riots through infiltrators, and then use police force to crush the protest,' he alleged.

He also warned community members to disregard party loyalties when voting, stating that personal preference for a party or leader is 'useless' if they do not secure the community's future. Notably, he claimed that the 5.5 crore working-class Marathas could block Mumbai at any moment, contrasting the community's scale against what he described as a small fraction of political and wealthy elites.

Background and Stakes

The Maratha reservation demand has persisted for over a decade, surviving multiple court challenges. A previous quota granted under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021 on grounds of exceeding the 50% reservation ceiling. The Justice Shinde Committee referenced by Minister Bhosale is tasked with compiling empirical backwardness data that could form the legal backbone of a fresh bid.

With Jarange Patil's hunger strike set to begin on 19 September and a politically charged atmosphere in Maharashtra, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate tangible progress before the agitation intensifies further.