Mumbai Police have denied permission to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange to hold an indefinite hunger strike in the city from September 19, citing potential security and law-and-order concerns during the ongoing Ganeshotsav festivities. The decision was communicated through a six-page refusal letter issued by the Azad Maidan police station. Jarange's team had formally sought permission for the proposed protest, which is expected to be part of his continuing agitation over Maratha reservation demands. Azad Maidan police station senior inspector Raja Bidkar rejected the request in the letter, citing several concerns related to the proposed demonstration.

Police referred to provisions under the Public Meetings, Demonstrations, and Processions Rules and also pointed to alleged non-compliance with conditions imposed during some of Jarange's previous protests. The authorities said these factors were among the reasons for refusing permission for the planned indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai. The proposed agitation comes during the Ganpati festival, which is being observed from September 14 to 25. Mumbai typically witnesses large crowds, processions and increased movement across several parts of the city during the festivities.

Police officials said the security deployment was already stretched because of the expected crowds and arrangements required for the festival. Against this backdrop, authorities expressed concern that permitting a large demonstration could create additional challenges for maintaining public order. According to the police, the timing of the proposed protest was a significant consideration in assessing the request. Officials said a large gathering during the festival could place additional pressure on the available security resources and potentially lead to law-and-order complications.

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The refusal was therefore framed primarily around security arrangements, crowd management and compliance with conditions applicable to public demonstrations. Jarange has criticised the police decision and accused the Maharashtra government of attempting to suppress his agitation. The activist has continued to press the state government over the Maratha community's reservation demands and has previously led large-scale protests on the issue. His proposed Mumbai hunger strike is part of that broader campaign, with his supporters preparing for the planned mobilisation despite the police refusal.

The denial of permission sets the stage for a fresh confrontation between Jarange's movement and the authorities as the proposed September 19 protest approaches. Police are required to manage security arrangements across Mumbai during one of the city's busiest festival periods, while Jarange and his supporters remain focused on pursuing their demands. The immediate question will be whether the activist's team seeks an alternative arrangement or challenges the refusal as it prepares for the planned hunger strike.

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