A day after BJP leader Prasad Lad met Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Friday (May 29, 2026) reiterated that he has full confidence that Mr Jarange Patil will withdraw his agitation when he knows what the government has done for Maratha reservation. The protest is slated to begin on Saturday (May 30, 2026).
“We will discuss the issues, clear the misunderstandings, and I am confident once he understands the position of government, he will not protest,” he said.
A delegation of BJP leaders — Mr Vikhe Patil and Prasad Lad, will meet Jarange Patil on Friday (May 29, 2026) afternoon to address his demands. Mr. Jarange Patil on Thursday (May 28, 2026) announced to go on an indefinite hunger strike from Friday (May 29, 2026), saying “Maharashtra government will be responsible if his health deteriorates during the protest under scorching heat. Mr. Jarange Patil is once again protesting due to discrepancies in issued certificate, delay in issuing pending certificates, and give extension to Sandeep Shinde committee to trace Kunbi records for one more year.
Highlighting the issues in implementation of the Quota, Mr. Vikhe Patil said, “The timelines are ascertained to provide the reservation, the regular updates are also taken on this. However, a few legal conditions like validation of certificate are taking time but that doesn’t mean government is not working.“
Another problem lies with Hyderabad Gazette, which according to him is taking time in the implementation. “The Hyderabad Gazette has no names but numbers and to prove relations as per historical records has become tedious,” said Mr. Vikhe Patil, alleging that there is negligence at local level and some officer purposely delaying it.
The government has also formed sub-Committe to monitor the implementation of reservation and distribution of Kunbi certificates. “Someone has misinformed him about 58 lakhs entries. We will put all these things during our meeting and give clarity. The 58 lakh entries is not the question. The reservation is implemented across the State. Over 2.5 lakh Kunbi certificates are given in Marathwada. Satara Gazaette also has some legal issues,” he said.
In terms of case filed against protestors during the protest, he said, “95% cases are already take back. Among 950 cases filed, only 64 are remaining as they have serious sections.”
Published - May 29, 2026 12:10 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
