Mumbai/Jalna, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
As Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 11th day on Tuesday, Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said no government delegation would be sent to meet him, asserting that the state administration had already taken all possible steps to address the issue.
Jarange Patil resumed medical treatment after a midnight phone conversation with Minister Uday Samant and BJP legislator Prasad Lad. However, he continues to press his core demands concerning implementation of reservation for the Maratha community.
Vikhe Patil, who heads the Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, said Jarange Patil was free to maintain his position but maintained that the government had fulfilled its commitments towards the wider interests of the Maratha community.
“If Jarange Patil remains firm, that is his decision. The government has taken all necessary actions required on its part, yet he remains dissatisfied. We are continuing our efforts to resolve any remaining concerns, and implementation of our decisions is already underway. At this point, I have no additional options left to offer that would satisfy him,” Vikhe Patil said.
Responding to criticism of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the minister pointed to progress in identifying historical records. He said 58 lakh Kunbi records had been displayed at the Gram Panchayat level.
Of 520 applications received, 240 were specifically for certificates, he said, adding that certificates were being issued as genealogy details were verified.
Vikhe Patil claimed that decisions taken by the present leadership over the past few years represented unprecedented progress for the Maratha community.
He also attacked former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that the Maratha reservation was lost during Thackeray’s tenure. Vikhe Patil urged Jarange Patil to recognise the government’s efforts instead of issuing ultimatums.
The minister confirmed that no further official delegation visits were planned and said the government expected a constructive response from Jarange Patil. He added that Justice (Retd) Shinde was in Sambhajinagar overseeing verification of historical records and expressed hope that Jarange Patil would now help find a way forward.
Earlier, Jarange Patil had sharply criticised Vikhe Patil on the 11th day of his fast, accusing him of causing the “greatest harm” to the Maratha community.
Jarange Patil’s health has deteriorated after he stopped consuming water and refused medical treatment. Despite experiencing noticeable shortness of breath while speaking to the media, he continued his criticism of Vikhe Patil and the state government.
He alleged that Vikhe Patil had wasted an entire year with sweet talk and false assurances, ultimately harming Maratha interests. Jarange Patil also accused him of working to advance Fadnavis’ political agenda rather than delivering results for the community.
He cited the government’s assurance that the Satara Sansthan gazetteer would be provided within a month, saying a year had passed without action. He also questioned which Hyderabad gazette had actually been used for issuing certificates, calling the government’s claims empty promises.
Jarange Patil also criticised Ministers Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Sanjay Shirsat, calling them failures on the issue of Maratha rights. He warned Vikhe Patil against entering Antarwali Sarati and said responsibility for the community’s losses rested on the minister.
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