Manoj Jarange-Patil, who started an indefinite hunger strike to revive the Maratha community's demand for reservation, has become the face of the agitation. After a clash between the police and his supporters, Jarange-Patil gained national attention. Following a meeting with the chief minister, he ended his 17-day hunger strike. Community leaders believe he has filled the void left by the death of prominent leader Vinayak Mete. However, legal experts believe that the demand for Kunbi certificates for all Marathas lacks legal backing and that the community needs to prove its social, economic, and educational backwardness. | Mumbai news