Explained: Maharashtra’s Maratha Quota Row | Why Manoj Jarange Patil Is On Hunger Strike

The Maratha quota issue has significantly impacted Maharashtra, marked by a recent hunger strike from August 29th to September 2nd. The protest demanded reservation for the Maratha community, seeking classification under the OBC category for education and government jobs. This community, comprising 30-33% of Maharashtra's population, traditionally dominant but claiming socio-economic disadvantage, has long sought inclusion. Previous attempts, like the 2018 law granting 16% reservation under the SEBC category, faced legal challenges. The Bombay High Court upheld it with reduced percentages, but the Supreme Court later struck it down in 2021, citing the breach of the 50% reservation cap. With Maharashtra's current reservation at 49%, the government faces a complex challenge. Efforts to include Marathas as Kumbis within the OBC category met opposition from existing OBC groups. The government has now assured reservation, with an order to bring the Maratha community under the Kumbhi group for OBC reservation.