Mon Sep 22 07:25:37 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary of the article:**
The article reports on escalating tensions in Jalna, Maharashtra, related to caste-based reservation demands. An OBC activist’s car was set ablaze, allegedly by supporters of Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange. This incident is the latest in a series of protests and counter-protests by various communities, including Marathas, OBCs, Dhangars, and Banjaras, all vying for increased reservation quotas. The government’s attempt to expedite Kunbi caste certificates for Marathas has further inflamed the situation. Jalna has become a focal point for the ongoing struggle over reservations, with communities fearing reduced opportunities if other groups are added to existing categories.
**Here’s the rewritten news article:**
**Quota Tensions Flare in Jalna: OBC Activist’s Car Set Ablaze Amid Reservation Row**
**Jalna, Maharashtra – September 22, 2025** – Tensions surrounding caste-based reservations in Maharashtra escalated sharply as an unidentified individual set fire to the car of an OBC activist in Jalna city late Sunday night. Police are investigating the incident, with suspicion falling on supporters of Maratha reservation leader Manoj Jarange.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the Neelam Nagar area. CCTV footage shows an individual dousing the car belonging to Navnath Waghmare, an OBC activist, with an inflammable liquid before setting it alight. Locals managed to extinguish the blaze, preventing further damage.
Waghmare alleges that the arson was carried out by supporters of Jarange, who is spearheading demands for Maratha reservation under the OBC category. “My car was deliberately set on fire… I will not be intimidated,” Waghmare stated, demanding police action against those responsible.
Jalna has become a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle over reservations between the Maratha, OBC, Dhangar, and Banjara communities. The current crisis is fueled by the state government’s recent resolution to implement the Hyderabad Gazette, which aims to expedite the issuance of Kunbi (OBC) caste certificates to Marathas in the Marathwada region. OBC activists fear this move will dilute existing reservation benefits for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and existing Other Backward Classes.
Adding to the complexity, the Banjara community recently held protests in Jalna demanding inclusion in the ST category. Furthermore, Dhangar activist Dipak Borhade has been on a hunger strike for six days, also seeking ST status for his community. Advocate Gunratan Sadavarte, a vocal critic of Jarange, visited Jalna on Sunday to support Borhade, resulting in protesters attempting to attack his car.
The situation in Jalna remains volatile, underscoring the deep divisions and competing demands surrounding caste-based reservations in the region. Police are continuing their investigation into the arson incident and attempting to maintain order amid heightened tensions.
First Piper 