Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent Maratha reservation activist, has called off his 20-day-old hunger strike, stating the Maharashtra government has three months to consider his demands. The decision came after he addressed a large gathering in Beed district, where he expressed concerns about his deteriorating health and the logistical challenges of continuing his planned march to Mumbai. Jarange, who had been fasting since September 12, said he was too physically exhausted to proceed with the long journey, which would involve thousands of supporters.

Jarange claimed the movement had made progress after the discovery of 58 lakh archival records, known as nondi, which could help nearly 2.5 crore Maratha community members access reservation benefits. He demanded the Maharashtra government issue an official gazette recognizing these records. The activist also criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of 'plotting against his life' and of securing all documented records on pen drives. He questioned why OBC communities that own orchards should not receive reservation benefits, as the government cited fruit orchard owners in Western Maharashtra as a reason for denying reservations.

During a meeting with a government delegation in Patoda, including ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Dada Bhuse, MLC Prasad Lad, and MLA Suresh Dhas, Jarange was informed about the state government's steps for the Maratha quota. Vikhe Patil suggested that Jarange should appoint three representatives to monitor the progress of the official work on his demands. The minister noted that it would take three to four months to act on the Kolhapur and Satara gazette after receiving a written comment from the advocate general, urging Jarange to call off his hunger strike.

Jarange remains firm on his demand for 'official recognition' of historical administrative records such as the Hyderabad Gazette, Satara Gazette, and Aundh Gazette, which he claims can prove Kunbi lineage and allow Marathas to claim OBC reservation benefits. He warned that if the government reneges on its assurance, he and his supporters will take the protest to Mumbai. He also asked over one lakh Marathas who had already gone to Mumbai to return to their homes. Last year, Jarange's hunger strike at Azad Maidan had brought south Mumbai to a standstill, but it was called off on September 2, 2025, after the government accepted six of his eight demands and initiated steps for Kunbi classification certificates.

Jarange's family has been urged to live with self-respect, and he has told his son to remain courageous if he dies for the community. The activist emphasized that one life should be sacrificed for the cause, but the dignity of the Maratha caste should never be lowered. The situation remains unresolved, with the government's stance and the activist's demands continuing to be a point of contention.