Mumbai: Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil declared on Thursday his decision to suspend his indefinite fast regarding the Maratha quota issue. This move reportedly follows the state government's announcement of initiating steps to withdraw certain criminal cases filed during the Maratha community's protests for reservations last year.

Jarange, who has been demanding that the Maratha community be given reservation under the OBC category, launched a fresh hunger strike six days ago. Withdrawal of cases registered against Maratha quota agitators is one of his demands. On Wednesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged Jarange to give up his fast as the state government had started to take action on his demand. 

"I want to stress that the government is taking his fast seriously, and the process of withdrawal of cases is underway. The state government has already issued the first notification, and we are actively working on it," Fadnavis told reporters. As to the grant of Kunbi certificate to Marathas who possess necessary documents, Fadnavis said he was in talks with OBC leaders.

Kunbi, an agrarian community, falls in the OBC category. OBC leaders, including senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal, are opposed to Marathas getting the benefit of reservations in the OBC category. "I will consult Bhujbal. I will clarify the procedure for obtaining an OBC or Kunbi certificate for those with the necessary documentation. We are committed to ensuring fairness to the OBCs," Fadnavis said. "I urge Manoj Jarange to end his fast. The state has always been supportive of reservations (for Marathas)," the BJP leader added.