Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Friday launched an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, declaring that he would not leave until the community’s reservation demands were met.
Jarange, 43, arrived at the protest venue around 9.45 am, greeted by thousands of supporters waving saffron flags and donning caps and scarves. Addressing the crowd, he said, “I will not go back until our demands are met. Even if I am shot dead, I will not retreat.”
Criticising the government for its “lack of cooperation,” Jarange said the Maratha community had no option but to march to Mumbai. He urged his followers to cooperate with police and avoid any action that could damage the community’s image. “Clear the streets in two hours and ensure Mumbaikars are not troubled. Those who want to leave the city today can do so,” he instructed.
Jarange lamented that police had granted permission for just one day of protest and announced plans to submit a fresh application. “The government must grant us reservation and accept all our demands. I caution the chief minister against inviting the wrath of the Marathas. You can shoot me or put me in jail, but I will not move until our demands are met,” he said.
The activist has been demanding a 10% quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, insisting that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis—an agrarian caste included in the OBC list—making them eligible for reservation in education and government jobs.
He also assured that his supporters would protest peacefully without disrupting the Ganesh festival. Jarange, who began his march from Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on Wednesday, was welcomed by supporters at Vashi before reaching Azad Maidan.
The Jalna police had earlier allowed Jarange’s march under 40 conditions, including avoiding law-and-order issues, refraining from raising objectionable slogans, and ensuring no disruption of vehicular traffic. Despite precautions, heavy congestion was reported near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) after protesters spilled onto the roads.
Mumbai police have permitted the protest at Azad Maidan only between 9 am and 6 pm on Friday, with restrictions that no more than 5,000 protesters gather and only five vehicles be allowed at the site. Over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed at the ground and additional security has been stationed at CSMT to maintain law and order.
