Jarange Sees ‘Right Time’ for Fadnavis to Grant Maratha Quota

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, speaking at Shivneri Fort in Pune, urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seize the “right opportunity” to grant a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category, emphasizing it could win their lasting support. Jarange, 43, arrived at the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with hundreds of supporters en route to Mumbai, where he plans an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan starting Friday to press for the quota demand.

Jarange criticized the government’s one-day protest permission (9 AM to 6 PM on August 29) as an “insult” to the Maratha community, demanding unrestricted access to Azad Maidan and no cap on protester numbers, limited to 5,000 by police. “If you can grant one day, fulfill the quota demand in one day,” he told reporters, urging Fadnavis to abandon his “adamant stand” and warning he would not retreat “even if they fire bullets.” He also clarified that protests would remain peaceful, respecting the ongoing Ganesh festival.

The activist, who left his village in Jalna on Wednesday, dismissed claims of a government delegation meeting him at Shivneri, despite earlier assurances from associates about talks with state minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Jarange’s demand centers on recognizing all Marathas as Kunbis, an OBC agrarian caste, for reservation benefits in education and jobs. Jalna police permitted the march under 40 conditions, including avoiding disruptions and objectionable slogans. Tensions persist as Jarange accuses Fadnavis of obstructing the quota, a sentiment echoed in past protests that influenced electoral outcomes in Maharashtra.

Also Read: Maharashtra Govt Meets Jarange Amid Quota Stir

Also Read: Jarange Marches to Mumbai, Vows Peaceful Protest During Ganeshotsav