Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday expressed hope that Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange will refrain from actions that could disturb Ganesh festival celebrations in Mumbai.
Jarange has set an August 26 deadline for the state government to grant a 10% quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, warning of a march to Mumbai starting August 27—on Ganesh Chaturthi—if demands are not met. He has also announced an indefinite hunger strike from August 29.
“Those who call themselves true followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will not do anything to disrupt Ganesh Chaturthi, which is the biggest festival of Hindus,” Fadnavis told reporters.
The CM said everyone has the democratic right to protest but urged that it should not inconvenience others. He highlighted the government’s efforts, stating, “We have worked for the Maratha community and given 10% quota. We created 1.5 lakh entrepreneurs from the community.”
Last year, the state announced 10% reservation for Marathas under a separate category. Jarange, however, continues to demand that all Marathas be recognized as Kunbis—an OBC caste—making them eligible for broader reservation benefits in education and jobs.
Responding to Jarange’s claim that Fadnavis blocked Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s efforts for Marathas, the CM said, “Shinde didn’t say this. No matter who tries to create differences, we are united and working together.”
On criticism from Jarange, Fadnavis remarked that a true follower of Shivaji Maharaj would not use derogatory language or target women. “I have the blessings of my mother, our Goddesses, and the people of Maharashtra,” he added.
The BJP has accused Jarange of making objectionable remarks against Fadnavis’ mother, a charge the activist denies. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Shinde appealed to Jarange to reconsider the timing of his protest, stressing that demonstrations should not cause public inconvenience during the festival.
