Mumbai police deny permission for Jarange Patil's march a third time, march begins today

The agitation led by Manoj Jarange Patil at Antarwali Sarati over the demand for Maratha reservation has taken a new turn. After he announced plans to go to Mumbai, Mumbai police have refused permission for the march for the third time. This has triggered discussions among Maratha agitators over their next strategy. It has also emerged that Jarange Patil's associates have suggested he seek fresh permission to sit alone on a hunger strike instead.

According to Jarange Patil's associate Gangadhar Kalkute, the government should also soften its stance keeping his health in mind. Kalkute said Jarange Patil has already taken two steps back, and now the government too should take two steps back and allow him to go on a hunger strike. He also said four to five people would go to the ground for the hunger strike. Kalkute said the agitation and hunger strike have been going on for the last 17 days, and the government should accept the Maratha reservation demands and give a written letter, after which Manoj Jarange Patil would withdraw the hunger strike.

Jarange Patil had announced plans to go to Mumbai, but Mumbai police did not grant permission for the march for the third time. Despite this, Jarange Patil is sticking to his decision and is set to march from Antarwali Sarati towards Mumbai today at 11 am. After being denied permission, Jarange Patil adopted an aggressive stance and alleged that the government is playing a different game. However, he made clear that he would take the designated route to Mumbai.

Jarange Patil has also given necessary instructions to the agitators. He said he would go to Mumbai alone, but that does not mean Maratha agitators should not come to Mumbai. He said, "Tomorrow morning I will leave from Antarwali for Mumbai." He said the first stop of his journey would be at Patoda in Beed district. Workers have also been instructed to set up a stage at every halting point, just as at Antarwali Sarati.

Amid this agitation over the Maratha reservation demand, the biggest question now is what stance the government will take next. On one hand, Mumbai police have refused permission for the march, while on the other, Jarange Patil remains firm on his decision to head to Mumbai. The entire Maratha community, as well as the whole state, is watching Manoj Jarange Patil's next move closely. The coming days will make clear whether a solution emerges between the government and the agitators, or whether the agitation intensifies further.