As the indefinite fast by pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil entered its second day on Saturday, the Maharashtra government extended the tenure of the Genealogy Committee till June 30, 2026.
The panel is responsible for issuing caste and caste-validity certificates to individuals from the Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi, and Kunbi-Maratha communities eligible for such documentation.
Announcing the decision, Social Justice and Special Assistance Minister Sanjay Shirsat said that a government resolution to this effect is being issued. The committee, originally formed on January 25, 2024, had its term extended earlier to June 30, 2025. Subsequently, the tenure of the high-level committee led by Justice (Retd.) Sandeep Shinde was prolonged to December 31, 2025, prompting the government to allow the Taluka Level Genealogy Committee an additional six months. All provisions from the original government resolution will remain applicable, the minister clarified.
Protests Continue at Azad Maidan
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police, which had extended permission for Jarange-Patil’s protest at Azad Maidan until Saturday evening, witnessed the activist announcing that he would not vacate the site until the state grants Maratha reservation under the OBC quota.
Heavy crowds of supporters gathered in and around the protest venue, causing significant traffic disruptions. In response, the police deployed additional personnel, including teams from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), to maintain law and order.
Despite police permission for 5,000 protestors, thousands more have thronged the venue. The influx of supporters has led to massive traffic congestion, particularly on the Eastern Freeway, with long queues of vehicles reported between Wadala and CSMT for the second consecutive day. Many truckers and vehicle owners have been offering food and temporary shelter to demonstrators arriving from across the state.
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