The Maratha quota agitation, led by activist Manoj Jarange, escalated on Saturday as his hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai entered its second day. Thousands of supporters, primarily from Marathwada, have converged on the city, demanding a 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category by recognizing Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste eligible for quotas in education and government jobs. The protest has reignited political tensions, with leaders trading barbs over responsibility and solutions.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, addressing party workers in Thane ahead of pending civic polls, sidestepped questions about the stir, directing reporters to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. “The answer to all these questions lies with Shinde,” Thackeray said, referencing Shinde’s earlier intervention in January 2024, when Jarange’s march to Mumbai halted in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, after assurances from the then-Shinde-led government. “Hadn’t Shinde solved the issue? Why this agitation again?” Thackeray questioned, implying the government’s failure to deliver on past promises.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut voiced support for the Maratha demands, asserting there is “no harm” in amending the Constitution to meet the community’s call for reservation beyond the 50 percent cap. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of sowing division between Marathas and OBCs for political gain. He noted that the BJP, in power at the Centre, could amend the Constitution, citing potential laws to remove elected officials charged with serious crimes as precedent. “What’s the issue in amending the Constitution for the Maratha community’s economic and social demands?” Raut asked, urging the government to view protesters with sympathy.

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Raut also criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, recalling his accusations against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government for lacking political will when the BJP was in opposition. “Now Fadnavis cites constitutional hurdles. He should keep his ego aside and hold an all-party meeting with major leaders and Jarange,” Raut said. The Sena (UBT) MP’s remarks highlight the political fault lines, with the Maratha quota issue becoming a flashpoint as civic elections loom.

Jarange remains steadfast, vowing to continue his hunger strike until the state government announces the quota. The agitation, rooted in demands for equitable access to opportunities, has exposed deep frustrations over unfulfilled promises and bureaucratic delays. As Mumbai braces for more protests, the government faces mounting pressure to resolve the crisis through dialogue or decisive policy action.

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