Mumbai police deny permission for Jarange Patil protest, activists eye court

The atmosphere around the Maratha agitation in Mumbai has heated up again. Azad Maidan police have refused to grant permission for Manoj Jarange Patil's protest, triggering strong resentment among the Maratha community. Protesters are asking why permission was granted last year but is being denied this time.

Despite being denied permission, Manoj Jarange Patil is standing firm on his demand. His associates have sought permission for the protest again. Preparations are also underway to approach the court if needed. All eyes are now on what happens next.

Mumbai is currently in the midst of Ganeshotsav celebrations, which has brought up the issue of large crowds and police deployment. Against this backdrop, Minister Chhagan Bhujbal reacted by saying permission for the protest may not have been granted for this reason. Bhujbal said Mumbai already has heavy crowds and the police are under pressure over security arrangements, which is likely why the administration took this decision.

Bhujbal also targeted Jarange Patil's statements, saying it is not right to use objectionable language about women officers or the chief minister. This is likely to further heat up the political atmosphere around the Maratha agitation issue.

Meanwhile, a large number of Maratha people from Dharashiv district are making strong preparations to head towards Mumbai. It is being said that around 100 Maratha people from every village in the district will set off towards Antarwali Sarati. From there, they are reported to be preparing to travel to Mumbai with Manoj Jarange Patil.

Overall, the permission dispute, Jarange Patil's preparations to approach the court, and the Maratha people marching towards Mumbai mean the next phase of the agitation is set to be significant. It remains to be seen what decision the administration takes and what steps Jarange Patil takes next.