As the agitation for the Maratha reservation led by Manoj Jarange continues to dominate headlines, other communities are beginning to voice their own long-pending demands. In a significant political development, Vijay Wadettiwar has called upon senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal for a meeting to discuss the Maratha reservation issue. Meanwhile, the Koli community has also stepped forward with a fresh set of demands, seeking justice and recognition for their members.
The Koli community, including the Mahadev Koli, Adivasi Koli, and Malhar Koli sub-groups, is urging the government to immediately issue caste certificates to eligible citizens. Leaders argue that despite being listed under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, many community members continue to face bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining official documents.
One of the primary demands is the issuance of a separate caste certificate for individuals within a bloodline, to help establish their traditional professions. Community representatives emphasise that the government should streamline the process and eliminate redundant documentation.
Another key demand highlights the need to accept Koli records prior to 1950 as valid proof for caste certification. The community believes that historic records are crucial for establishing their identity and rights, especially for those who lack modern documentation.
In addition, the Koli community is calling on the authorities to recognise documents such as school leaving certificates, caste certificates of ancestors, 366 register entries, and birth extracts as valid evidence for issuing caste certificates.
A prominent banner at a recent gathering read: “Give caste certificates to the citizens of the Koli community”, echoing the growing frustration among members who feel sidelined in the ongoing reservation debate.
As discussions around Maratha reservation intensify, the demands from three sub-castes within the Banjara and Koli communities have added a new layer to the reservation discourse in Maharashtra. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the state government will address these emerging demands alongside the Maratha issue.
Manoj Jarange reiterates demand for Maratha reservation under Kunbi category
Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil has intensified his demand for reservation for the Maratha community under the Kunbi category, stressing that poor children are suffering without it. He urged the government to grant under 50 per cent reservation, asserting, “All Marathas should get at least under 50 per cent reservation. My agitation is solely for the welfare of the Marathi people and society.”
Jarange emphasised that nothing is bigger than his community, not even politicians, and vowed to win the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Deputy CM Shinde. “I will not shame the Maratha community or allow anyone else to do so. Poor people need reservations, and all Western Maharashtra residents will unite for this cause, if necessary,” he said.
He announced that the government has accepted the Maratha community’s demand and has issued a Gazette Notification (GR) granting reservation under the OBC category. Jarange warned the government to implement it without delay. He stated that decisions must be taken by September 17, and any delay will force him to take stronger action. “Give Kunbi certificates to Maratha children in Marathwada as per the Gazette. Do not disrespect Marathas. If challenged, I am prepared to annul the 1994 GR,” he said.
Jarange ended his five-day-old fast for quota in Mumbai on September 2 when the government announced forming a committee to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members with historical evidence of their Kunbi heritage, a social group classified as an Other Backward Class (OBC) in the state.
