Govt Agreed To 12 Of Jarange Patil’s 14 Core Demands, Says CM Fadnavis
Fadnavis says most core demands were accepted by the government.
Tensions are rising in Maharashtra over Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s planned hunger strike in Mumbai, as the state government urged restraint ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival. Jarange Patil began his journey towards Mumbai’s Azad Maidan from Antarwali Sarati on Tuesday after offering prayers at a local temple. The proposed agitation has drawn concerns from the state leadership over public order and possible disruption during the busy festive period.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government has already agreed to 12 of Jarange Patil’s 14 core demands, while the remaining two are sub judice. Fadnavis said the police had rejected the initial application seeking permission for the agitation in Mumbai, citing law and order considerations. He added that if a fresh application is submitted, the police will examine it in accordance with the prevailing situation and requirements.
Fadnavis stressed that the administration’s priority was to ensure that Ganeshotsav celebrations proceed without disruption, particularly in Mumbai and Pune. He said the police have the primary responsibility for maintaining law and order and indicated that decisions regarding protests would need to take into account public convenience during the festival. The government’s position comes as Jarange Patil and his supporters continue their movement towards the state capital.
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Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also appealed for restraint and said the Maratha reservation issue should not be politicised. Shinde pointed to the history of 58 Maratha rallies that were conducted peacefully and urged organisers and supporters to maintain similar discipline. He said the government had maintained an open approach towards the reservation issue and called for a constructive approach focused on the interests of the community.
Jarange Patil, however, has maintained that he will proceed with the protest despite the lack of official clearance. Addressing supporters before departing from Antarwali Sarati, he accused political leaders of misleading the Maratha community and urged protesters to remain united and peaceful. His supporters have also said the absence of permission would not stop their journey towards Mumbai, where Jarange Patil is expected to undertake the proposed fast.
The developments come as Maharashtra prepares for Ganeshotsav, one of the state’s major annual festivals, when Mumbai and other urban centres witness large gatherings and increased movement of devotees. The government is therefore seeking to balance the right to peaceful protest with public order and festival arrangements. The immediate focus remains on Jarange Patil’s arrival in Mumbai and whether authorities will receive and consider any fresh request for permission to hold the agitation.
