Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 17  welcomed Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil’s decision to withdraw his 20-day hunger strike after talks with a state government delegation in Beed district.

Fadnavis said the government had accepted 12 of Jarange-Patil’s 13 demands, while the remaining demand was subject to legal restrictions. He said the government had explained the legal position to the activist and would work to implement the assurances given to the Maratha community.

Jarange-Patil, however, gave the government three months to act and warned that he would shift the agitation to Mumbai if the demands were not addressed within the deadline. His decision came after negotiations amid concerns over his health following the prolonged fast. The government delegation included ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and Dada Bhuse, MLC Prasad Lad, MLA Suresh Dhas and officials.

Among the assurances after the talks was a commitment to implement the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune and Aundh Gazette records through a Government Resolution within three months. The government also agreed to issue a revised resolution for Kunbi certificates in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazette, while certificates already issued under the Hyderabad Gazette would continue to be validated.

It further assured that 58 lakh Kunbi records identified by the Shinde Committee would not be reduced and agreed to examine validation of revoked Kunbi certificates belonging to four elected representatives from Marathwada.

The dispute centres on the demand that eligible Marathas be recognised through Kunbi records and receive corresponding reservation benefits across Maharashtra in the coming months.