Maratha Quota Protest Faces Tragedy, Heavy Security
Activist’s death, massive rally challenge Maharashtra
The Maratha reservation movement, led by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, was struck by tragedy as Satish Deshmukh, a 45-year-old supporter from Beed district, died of a heart attack near Junnar in Pune on Thursday. The incident occurred as thousands marched from Jarange’s village in Jalna to Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, where he plans an indefinite hunger strike starting August 29 to demand a 10% quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, including recognition as Kunbis.
Deshmukh, a dedicated activist, suffered chest pain near Lenyadri in Junnar tehsil and was declared dead at a Narayangaon hospital, police reported. The march, which began on August 26 from Antarwali Sarati, saw Jarange pay tribute at Shivneri Fort, birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, before proceeding to Mumbai. The convoy, expected to reach Navi Mumbai by Thursday evening, has disrupted traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Sion-Panvel Highway, prompting Navi Mumbai police to restrict vehicular movement.
Mumbai police have deployed over 1,500 personnel, including units from the CRPF, Rapid Action Force, CISF, and Maharashtra Security Force, at Azad Maidan to manage an anticipated 20,000 protesters. However, authorities have capped the protest at 5,000 participants and limited it to one day, drawing criticism from Jarange, who called the restrictions an “insult” to the Maratha community. “If you give one-day permission, fulfill our demands in one day. I won’t retreat, even if they fire bullets,” he declared, urging supporters to remain peaceful.
Also Read: Jarange Sees ‘Right Time’ for Fadnavis to Grant Maratha Quota
The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, expressed openness to dialogue. State Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, heading a cabinet sub-committee on the quota issue, clarified that talks would occur in Mumbai, dismissing claims of a planned meeting at Shivneri. “We are positive, but personal attacks on Fadnavis won’t resolve this,” he said, referencing Jarange’s earlier remarks calling the CM “anti-Maratha.” Fadnavis, addressing the issue separately, emphasized his government’s commitment to both Marathas and OBCs, noting that a 10% Maratha quota enacted in 2018 remains legally valid, unlike a later quota struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021 under the MVA government.
Jarange’s demand for Kunbi status for all Marathas has sparked opposition from OBC leaders, who fear dilution of their benefits. The movement, ongoing since 2023, has mobilized millions, with supporters offering food and water along the march route. The government faces pressure to balance caste dynamics while addressing the Maratha community’s economic grievances, with Fadnavis suggesting the Economically Weaker Sections quota as a potential solution.
