Mumbai, August 29, 2025: Maratha quota movement leader Manoj Jarange began his indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on Friday, declaring that he would not withdraw until the government meets the community’s demands for reservation.
Jarange, 43, was welcomed by thousands of supporters clad in saffron caps, scarves and flags when he reached the venue around 9:45 a.m. “I will not go back until our demands are met. Even if I am shot dead, I will not retreat,” he told the gathering.
Call for Peaceful Agitation
Addressing his supporters, Jarange blamed the government’s “lack of cooperation” for forcing the Maratha community to march to Mumbai. He urged followers to cooperate with police, avoid disrupting traffic, and not block city roads. “Clear the streets in two hours and ensure Mumbaikars are not troubled. Those who want to leave the city today can do so,” he appealed.
The activist also asked his supporters to park vehicles in designated areas and stressed that their agitation would not disrupt the ongoing Ganesh festival celebrations in Mumbai.
Demand for Quota
Jarange has been demanding 10% reservation for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. He insists that all Marathas be recognized as Kunbis, an agrarian caste listed under OBC, making them eligible for quotas in government jobs and education.
“We want the government to grant us reservation and accept all our demands. You can shoot me or put me in jail. I will rot in jail but will not move till our demands are met,” Jarange said, while seeking more time from authorities to continue his protest.
Heavy Security Deployment
The march, which began at Jarange’s native Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on Wednesday, reached Mumbai on Friday morning. Supporters gave him a rousing welcome at Vashi before he proceeded to Azad Maidan.
Police permitted the march under 40 strict conditions, barring slogans that could create law-and-order issues and instructing agitators not to disrupt traffic. Despite this, heavy traffic congestion was reported near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) after protesters spilled onto the roads.
The Mumbai police have granted permission for protests at Azad Maidan only for August 29, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with restrictions that no more than 5,000 protesters gather at the venue and only five vehicles be allowed inside.
To maintain law and order, over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed at Azad Maidan, while security has been tightened at CSMT and surrounding areas where large numbers of Maratha supporters have arrived from across Maharashtra.
