Maratha Quota Activist Threatens Mumbai Protest

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange issued a stern ultimatum to the Maharashtra government, demanding a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category by August 26, or face a massive protest in Mumbai. Speaking in Jalna district, Jarange announced plans to march from Antarwali Sarati on August 27, coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi, and begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan on August 29 if demands are unmet. “I will not listen to anyone once I leave,” he declared, warning of potential government upheaval.

Jarange’s demands include recognizing Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste eligible for OBC benefits, and implementing historical gazettes from Hyderabad, Satara, and Bombay to support this claim. He criticized the government’s 18-month delay in enacting the “sage soyare” (kinship-based) notification and its recent inclusion of 29 castes in the OBC category, which he called provocative. The activist claimed 58 lakh Kunbi records, verified by the Justice Shinde committee, justify the quota.

The planned march will proceed via Shivneri Fort, Rajgurunagar, Chakan, Lonavala, Panvel, Vashi, and Chembur, with Jarange urging Maratha doctors, teachers, farmers, and businessmen to join peacefully. “We won’t block traffic or cause chaos,” he assured, requesting one clear route to Azad Maidan. He claimed to have contacted all 288 Maharashtra MLAs, including CM Devendra Fadnavis, two months ago, urging action on Maratha grievances.

Also Read: Minister Appeals for Dialogue Amid Impending Maratha Quota March to Mumbai

The BJP sharply rebuked Jarange, accusing him of targeting Fadnavis with personal attacks, including alleged remarks against the CM’s late mother, Sarita. BJP leaders Pravin Darekar and Navnath Ban labeled Jarange a pawn of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, criticizing his “foul language” and noting Pawar’s inaction on Maratha quotas during his tenure as CM. Jarange denied the allegations, retracting any unintended remarks.

The controversy escalates tensions as Maharashtra approaches elections, with Jarange’s protest potentially disrupting Mumbai during the festive season. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde urged reconsideration, citing public inconvenience, but Jarange remains resolute, framing the agitation as the community’s “final fight.”

Also Read: Jarange Threatens Hunger Strike Over Maratha Reservation Delays