MUMBAI: The Maratha quota protests, led by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, brought India’s financial capital to a near standstill on Friday as thousands of supporters flooded the city. Jarange began an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, demanding that all Marathas be included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category to receive reservation benefits in government jobs and educational institutions. The protests are set to continue into their second day on Saturday, August 30.
Mumbai Police have given permission for the strike to continue for one more day, but Jarange has stated that the protests will go on “whether you give permission or not.” He added that it is up to the government to either “break up the protest or grant permission,” signaling his unwavering resolve. “It’s not our job to have a dialogue with the government right now. They want to destroy the Maratha community. They don’t want to give us reservations,” Jarange said, expressing his frustration with the state government.
Jarange has been resolute in his stance, threatening to escalate his hunger strike by stopping the intake of water in the next two days if the government continues to delay talks. “I will not step back now. I am ready to take bullets for Maratha reservation. I will continue my hunger strike in jail, should they put me behind bars,” he declared.
Thousands of supporters from across the state have traveled to Mumbai to join the protest, filling Azad Maidan and seeking shelter in nearby areas like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Churchgate railway stations. Many came prepared for a long haul, carrying rations for up to a month. “We are well prepared with food and a chulha to cook right here if needed,” said a farmer from Beed.
Protestors were seen braving the afternoon rain, taking cover under flyovers, at bus stops, and inside railway stations. They also complained about the alleged lack of facilities in Mumbai, claiming that “tea shops, restaurants and toilets were kept closed” and even drinking water was not available. Jarange accused the government of deliberately creating these hardships, saying, “You did this to Marathas when they came to Mumbai. They will remember this when you come to our areas for programmes.”
Coming to the aid of the protestors, the Navi Mumbai-based Sakal Maratha Samaj has made arrangements to provide essential services like food, water, and accommodation. A facility at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre in Vashi has been set up to host up to 50,000 people and will remain operational for a few days, depending on the need.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly tasked Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, a Maratha himself, with reaching out to Jarange for talks. Fadnavis stated that the government has already formed a cabinet sub-committee to consider the fresh demands and is seeking a legal solution. “We have directed the cabinet sub-committee to hold discussions with them (protestors) and then speak to us to resolve this as the two communities — Marathas and OBCs — should not come against each other,” Fadnavis said.
Maratha Quota Protests Bring Mumbai To A Standstill As Manoj Jarange Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike
