Maratha quota protest: Jarange Patil to march to Mumbai alone, denied Azad Maidan permission again

The Maratha reservation issue in Maharashtra has reached a critical point. Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been on a hunger strike for the last 17 days demanding Maratha reservation, has once again made clear that he will go to Mumbai.

Mumbai police have rejected permission for the hunger strike at Azad Maidan for a second time in a row, citing security and legal reasons. Despite this, Jarange has expressed his intention to reach Mumbai in any case. He said aggressively, "I will not bow before the government, and I will not let a stain of betrayal fall on this movement."

Mumbai police rejected the permission sought for the hunger strike at Azad Maidan for the second time, citing Ganeshotsav and law and order. After this decision, it was expected that the movement would stall, but Jarange surprised everyone with a new strategy. He announced that he would not bring a crowd along, but would go to Mumbai himself with only 4 to 5 selected companions, 2 vehicles and 2 ambulances. He asked, "I am going alone, so which permission will Devendra Fadnavis deny now?" He also warned that if the administration tried to stop him, crores of Marathas across Maharashtra would enter Mumbai directly without any permission.

On the other hand, the state government claims it is trying to find a peaceful solution to the movement and Jarange's warning. State minister Shambhuraj Desai said that what Jarange is saying is not the complete truth but a half truth, and that certain misunderstandings have formed in his mind. According to Desai, the government is honestly completing all legal procedures to fulfil the promises made by the chief minister and deputy chief minister to the Maratha community. Steps are also being taken seriously and as per rules regarding the Satara gazette and 58 lakh Kunbi documents. He expressed confidence that Jarange's doubts would soon be cleared by meeting him directly.

Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam, citing the festive season, appealed to Jarange to show some patience. He said, "The government has already accepted your 14 demands, and it is trying on the remaining 2 demands. The government's position that justice to the Maratha community should not mean injustice to the OBC community is correct."

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule commented on the ongoing protests in the state after Ganpati darshan. She said that when citizens or agitators come out on the streets, it is the government's first duty to talk to them. She said, "Whether one agrees or not, whether one likes it or not, dialogue must happen in a democracy. The government should send responsible people to understand the protesters. Right now Jarange Patil is on hunger strike in the state, the OBC community is protesting, MPSC students and tribal children are on the streets. Agitations are going on in every district, and the government should find the right path by talking to everyone."

At a press conference, Jarange directly accused the chief minister and home minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said, "Fadnavis has struck at the Maratha community under the cover of the festival. The government's plan was that Marathas would come to Mumbai and create a ruckus, so the entire movement gets branded as a riot. But to defeat this plan, I am going ahead alone." He said he is ready to face all the difficulties and legal hurdles on the way himself.

At a press conference in Antarwali Sarati on Monday, Jarange became emotional. It being the 17th day of his hunger strike, and with the medical saline having been stopped, his health remains a matter of concern; the burning in his stomach and weakness make it difficult for him even to stand up. During this, he made an emotional appeal to the Maratha community: "This may perhaps be my last meeting with the Godavari belt and Maharashtra. So come to the road only to give your blessings, do not come to Mumbai."

He said that since it is not possible for him to speak or stand for long, no welcome or reception programme should be held along the route. Jarange said, "I am a Kshatriya Maratha, I will not go bowing before anyone for shelter. I will die if needed for the welfare of the community's children, but I will not let the community's honour and self-respect be reduced even an inch."

On Tuesday, September 15, at 11 am, Manoj Jarange will set out from Antarwali Sarati towards Mumbai along a fixed route. For this march and the further movement, he has strictly instructed workers that Maratha brothers and women should not rush towards Mumbai right now. He said the vehicles arranged and the funds collected for the movement in every village should be kept safe, and strength should be built up by working out how to arrange 7 vehicles instead of 5 and 12 instead of 10, without spending a single rupee. All this strength is to be saved for the final battle in Mumbai.

Jarange also said that the date for reaching Mumbai will be announced 2 days in advance. Until then, women, elders and youth in villages, talukas and towns should keep the movement alive by holding peaceful marches and rallies in front of gram panchayats.

After Jarange sets out from Antarwali Sarati at 11 am on September 15, how the administration handles it and what middle path the state government finds on this simmering movement will determine the direction of Maharashtra's social and political climate in the coming days.