Demands and Roots
The core demand was 'Kunbi certificates' for all Marathas, allowing them to be classified as OBC. Jarange-Patil, the activist, highlighted historical records,
including the Hyderabad Gazette, to support this claim. The protests aimed to secure reservations for the community.
Mumbai's Epicenter
Azad Maidan and CSMT became the central locations for the sit-in. The influx of over 25,000 protestors transformed the city's busiest areas. Roads were clogged, and overnight camps were set up, disrupting daily life for many Mumbaikars during the five-day agitation.
The Government Response
The state government responded by accepting the demands, leading to Jarange-Patil breaking his fast. Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil handed him the resolution copy. This action brought an end to the protest and triggered celebrations among supporters.
Historical Evidence Cited
The protestors emphasized historical records from the British era. Jarange-Patil mentioned sources such as the Hyderabad Gazette, Bombay Gazette, Satara Princely State Gazette, and Aundh Gazette to support the argument that many Marathas were historically recorded as Kunbis.
