New Delhi: In the last year, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has gone on hunger strike at least four times, each time being promised reservation in government jobs and education for the community in Maharashtra.

However, as the Mahayuti coalition, comprised of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and chief minister Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena, along with the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by Ajit Pawar, continues to drag its feet on the assurances given to Jarange-Patil and the Maratha community, he no longer wants to trust the government.

Just before the fourth phase of the general election, Jarange-Patil told the media that the community would "teach Maharashtra’s ruling coalition a lesson" for denying them reservations and booking protestors on criminal charges.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s multiple campaigns in the state, Jarange-Patil said the PM knows that the community is upset with the BJP.

In a series of interviews on May 11 and 12, Jarange-Patil directly attacked BJP leader and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis (who also heads the home department) for booking community activists across the state on multiple charges. These cases were filed against them as they rallied alongside Jarange-Patil seeking reservation.

In an interview to the Hindustan Times, Jarange-Patil claimed that the community turned against the BJP after Fadnavis initiated action against Maratha youth and a special investigation team (SIT) was set up to probe Jarange-Patil’s role in the agitation.

Jarange-Patil, who rose to fame in the last few months, enjoys massive support among the Maratha community, especially the youth. His statements against the BJP could cost the party dearly.

Although the Maratha leader claims he doesn’t support any political party, he has been touring around the state, especially in the region where the Marathas have a sizable presence.

The promise for quota to the community was made outside the legal framework and against the Supreme Court’s decision.

In February, when Jarange-Patil went on a hunger strike for six days, the Maharashtra government had given in to his demands and the state legislature passed a Bill granting a 10% quota in both government jobs and education for the community.

However, the government resolution issued soon after has yet to be implemented.

The community, estimated to be more than 30% of the state’s population, already dominates state politics.

Additionally, many studies show that the community possesses major landholdings in most parts of the state.

Among Jarange-Patil’s many demands is Kunbi status for the Maratha community. Kunbis are considered a sub-caste among the Marathas and already have OBC status in the state.

Kunbis are not happy with this demand.

The Maratha community's demand for reservation has not been well-received by state’s OBCs. Comprising over 38% of the total population, many leaders from the OBC community, including Chhagan Bhujbal, have opposed the government’s decision to grant reservation to the Maratha community.

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