Maratha Quota Row: Jarange-Patil to Solo March to Mumbai Amid Police Ban & CM's Plea!

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has declared his intention to proceed with a solo march to Mumbai on September 15, aiming to stage a protest at Azad Maidan, despite police denying permission for his proposed hunger strike. Speaking from Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, where he has been on an indefinite fast for 16 days, Mr.

Jarange-Patil accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of obstructing the protest out of fear and attempting to create unrest during the ongoing Ganesh festival.

Police had denied permission for Mr. Jarange-Patil's hunger strike in Mumbai, citing potential security risks during the Ganeshotsav festivities, which began on September 14. They highlighted possible violations of protest rules and alleged non-compliance during past demonstrations.

In response, Mr. Jarange-Patil stated,

Fearing the strength of the Maratha community, the government has denied permission to go to Mumbai. As a counter to the government's decision, I will leave for Mumbai alone on September 15 at 11 am.

He emphasized that only 10 people and two ambulances would accompany him, urging the wider Maratha community to remain peaceful in their villages.

Chief Minister Fadnavis, speaking in Mumbai, appealed to Mr. Jarange-Patil to reconsider his protest, emphasizing the large number of devotees attending Ganesh pandals. Mr. Fadnavis insisted that his government has consistently engaged in dialogue and met almost all of Mr.

Jarange-Patil's demands, with some pending in court. He reiterated that the government must abide by existing laws and the Constitution regarding the quota issue. "Protesting during the Ganesh festival that may lead to inconvenience to Ganesh bhakts (devotees) is not appropriate.

So this (protest in Mumbai) should be reconsidered," the CM added.

Mr. Jarange-Patil, whose health has reportedly deteriorated from refusing water, saline, and medical treatment, remains firm on his demands. He urged supporters to conserve resources and maintain peace, asserting his commitment to fight for the community until his last breath, likening himself to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

He wants to send a message that he "died but did not surrender."

A core demand from Mr. Jarange-Patil is the issuance of a Government Resolution (GR) allowing Marathas to claim reservation under the Kunbi community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, based on old records. This demand faces opposition from OBC groups concerned about their share of benefits.

Despite the escalating tension, Mr.

Jarange-Patil confirmed that avenues for talks with the government remain open.

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