Manoj Raosaheb Jarange, born on August 1, 1982, also known as Manoj Jarange Patil, is a prominent Indian activist advocating for Maratha quota reservation in Maharashtra. Hailing from a modest background in Jalna district, he has emerged as a leading voice for the Maratha community’s demand for reservations in education and government jobs. His activism gained significant traction due to his persistent efforts to secure Other Backward Class (OBC) status or a separate quota for the Maratha community, which constitutes a substantial portion of Maharashtra’s population.
Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manoj Raosaheb Jarange (also known as Manoj Jarange Patil) |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1982 |
| Place of Origin | Jalna, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Known For | Maratha quota reservation activism |
| Community | Maratha |
| Key Movement | Maratha Kranti Morcha |
| Major Protest | Antarwali Sarati hunger strike (2023) |
| Demands | Maratha reservation in education/jobs, Kunbi certificates for OBC benefits |
| Approach | Grassroots protests, rallies, hunger strikes, engagement with policymakers |
| Controversies | Accusations of inciting violence, opposition from OBC groups |
| Impact | Influenced Maharashtra’s reservation policies, sparked legal debates |
| Health Concerns | Deterioration due to repeated hunger strikes |
Early Life and Background
Manoj Raosaheb Jarange, popularly known as Manoj Jarange Patil, was born on August 1, 1982, in Matori village, Shirur Kasar tehsil, Beed district, Maharashtra, India. Hailing from a Maratha agrarian family, he grew up facing the economic and social challenges common to rural communities. His father, Raosaheb Jarange, and mother, Prabhavati Jarange, raised him alongside four brothers. Manoj’s early life was marked by financial hardships, which shaped his commitment to social justice and advocacy for the Maratha community. He completed his education up to class 12 at a local zilla parishad school, assisting his family with farming and odd jobs.
After his marriage to Soumitra Jarange, Manoj relocated to Shahgad in Jalna district, seeking better prospects. He later settled in Ankushnagar, Jalna, where he worked in a hotel to supplement his income from farming two acres of land. These experiences of economic struggle and limited opportunities fueled his resolve to fight for the Maratha community’s rights.
Manoj Raosaheb Jarange Career and Activism
Manoj Jarange Patil’s career is defined by his role as a social and political activist, primarily advocating for Maratha quota reservations in government jobs and education. He joined the Maratha reservation movement around 2009, dedicating over 15 years to the cause. His activism gained prominence through peaceful protests, hunger strikes, and marches, emphasizing non-violent advocacy.
Initially, Manoj was associated with the Congress party, serving as the district youth president in Jalna until 2004. Disillusioned with the party’s handling of Maratha issues, particularly protests against a controversial book on Chhatrapati Shivaji in 2003, he left Congress in 2011. He founded the Shivba Sanghatana, an organization focused on Maratha rights, inspired by the legacy of Maratha warrior kings Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj.
Manoj’s activism escalated in 2014 when he began leading significant movements, including a notable morcha to the district collector’s office in Aurangabad. His efforts intensified after the Supreme Court quashed the Maratha reservation quota in 2021. He participated in an eight-month agitation in Sashta Pimpalgaon, Jalna, and raised funds for families of Maratha activists who died during protests in 2016-17.
The turning point came in August 2023, when Manoj launched a hunger strike in Antarwali-Sarathi village, Jalna, demanding Kunbi OBC certificates for Marathas to access a 27% reservation in jobs and education. On September 1, 2023, a police lathi-charge on protesters attempting to prevent his forcible hospitalization sparked widespread unrest, catapulting him into the national spotlight. This incident drew support from prominent politicians like Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Raj Thackeray, amplifying his influence.
Manoj continued his protests, including a 16-day hunger strike in September 2023, which he ended after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde offered assurances. In January 2024, he led a protest march from Jalna to Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, demanding immediate action on Maratha reservations. His fast in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, concluded on January 27, 2024, when Shinde promised OBC benefits for Marathas until a formal reservation was secured.
In 2024, Manoj announced a Maratha-Dalit-Muslim coalition to address socio-political inequalities ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, aiming to unite marginalized communities. However, he later withdrew from endorsing candidates, urging supporters to vote strategically to impact the ruling Mahayuti alliance, particularly the BJP. His leadership has significantly influenced Maharashtra’s political landscape, especially in Marathwada, where Maratha votes swayed the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
A Marathi film, Sangharsh Yoddha Manoj Jarange Patil, directed by Shivaji Doltade, was released on April 26, 2024, chronicling his life and activism.
Manoj Raosaheb Jarange Wife and Children
Manoj Jarange Patil is married to Soumitra Jarange, and the couple has four children: Shivraj, Vaishnavi, Pranali, and Pallavi. The family resides in a modest two-room house on a two-acre farm in Ankushnagar, Jalna, adorned with statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and memorabilia from Manoj’s activism. Despite his public prominence, Manoj maintains a simple lifestyle, prioritizing his family and community responsibilities.
Manoj Raosaheb Jarange Net Worth
Manoj Jarange Patil’s net worth is estimated to be over 10 lakh rupees (approximately $12,000 USD). To fund his activism, he sold 2.5 acres of his 4-acre agricultural land, reflecting his financial sacrifices for the Maratha cause. There is no public information indicating ownership of luxury assets like cars, aligning with his modest lifestyle. His primary focus remains activism rather than personal wealth accumulation.
Manoj Raosaheb Jarange Cars
No specific information is available regarding Manoj Jarange Patil’s car ownership. Given his modest lifestyle and the sale of agricultural land to support his activism, it is unlikely that he owns luxury vehicles. His public appearances typically involve travel for protests and rallies, with no mention of personal vehicles.
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FAQs
Who is Manoj Jarange Patil?
Manoj Jarange Patil is an Indian social activist from Maharashtra, known for leading the Maratha quota reservation movement, advocating for reservations in government jobs and education under the OBC category.
What is Manoj Jarange Patil’s educational background?
He completed his education up to class 12 at a zilla parishad school in Beed district, Maharashtra.
What is the name of Manoj Jarange Patil’s wife?
His wife’s name is Soumitra Jarange.
How many children does Manoj Jarange Patil have?
He has four children: Shivraj, Vaishnavi, Pranali, and Pallavi.
Why is Manoj Jarange Patil famous?
He gained fame for his leadership in the Maratha reservation movement, particularly after a police lathi-charge during his hunger strike in September 2023 brought national attention to his cause.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @manoj_jarange_patil_96k
