Manoj Jarange Announces Solo Azad Maidan Protest Over Reservation Demands

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced that he will travel to Mumbai alone on September 15 to stage a protest at Azad Maidan after Mumbai Police denied permission for his proposed indefinite hunger strike in the city. Jarange made the announcement on Monday while addressing supporters at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, where he is continuing his fast.

Mumbai Police denied permission on Sunday for Jarange’s proposed hunger strike from September 19, citing security concerns linked to the ongoing Ganeshotsav. His team’s formal request was rejected over potential violations of rules governing public meetings, demonstrations and processions, as well as alleged non-compliance with conditions at the venue during previous protests.

Jarange said he would leave for Mumbai at 11 am on September 15 despite the denial of permission. He appealed to members of the Maratha community not to gather in large numbers in the state capital immediately, saying that only 10 people and two ambulances would accompany him along the planned route. He also urged supporters to remain peaceful in their villages and conserve their resources while he continued the agitation.

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The activist accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the government of attempting to prevent the protest and alleged that disturbances could be created during the Maratha mobilisation and then blamed on the community. Jarange said this was one of the reasons for his decision to travel alone and questioned whether the authorities would also deny permission for a solo march. He maintained that he would continue pressing for the community’s demands while keeping the option of talks with the government open.

Jarange’s principal demand is for a Government Resolution allowing Marathas to claim reservation benefits available to the Kunbi community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, based on historical records and gazette documents. OBC organisations have opposed the demand, arguing that extending the benefits could affect their existing share of reservation. Jarange, however, said he was willing to hold discussions with the government at an open venue but wanted concrete implementation rather than assurances.

The latest agitation follows Jarange’s earlier indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on August 29 last year, when he renewed his demand for Maratha reservation. That protest led to disruption in parts of the city before it was called off after the government accepted some of his demands. As his current fast continues, Jarange has urged supporters to maintain peace while he prepares to pursue the protest in Mumbai despite the police decision.

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