The battle for Maratha reservation in Maharashtra is poised to escalate further as activist Manoj Jarange Patil announced a massive march to Mumbai, while making explosive allegations against the state administration. Speaking from the protest site in Antarwali Sarati village of Jalna district on the 16th day of his indefinite strike, Jarange Patil claimed that a conspiracy is being orchestrated to assassinate him and disrupt the upcoming peaceful march. Despite these perceived threats, he maintained a defiant posture, declaring that he would rather face death than bow down to any political pressure from the ruling establishment.
Addressing a gathering of passionate supporters and media representatives, the activist raised serious concerns regarding the safety of the planned demonstration. Jarange Patil alleged that elements affiliated with the ruling parties might infiltrate the protest march to instigate violence and target him personally. He directly claimed that there is a plot to shoot him during the march, stating that the authorities do not want to harm the broader Maratha community but are specifically targeting him to suppress the movement. In an emotional appeal, he advised any apprehensive supporters to stay back, but urged those committed to the cause to join the Mumbai march and, if necessary, even be prepared to join his final journey.
Schedule of the Mumbai Protest March
To pressure the government into implementing quota benefits for the Maratha community in educational institutions and government employment, Jarange Patil has laid out a detailed roadmap. He is scheduled to depart from his base in Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district on September 15 along with his followers. This long march is timed to coincide with the sacred Ganpati festival, which is celebrated from September 14 to September 25.
The protest march will culminate in the state capital on September 19. Jarange Patil announced that he will commence an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan starting at 10:00 AM on September 19. While the organizers have submitted formal applications for police permission, Jarange Patil expects that the state government might impose restrictive conditions to contain the demonstration. Nevertheless, he expressed absolute confidence in the country's legal system and judiciary, emphasizing that the protest will strictly adhere to peaceful and democratic principles.
Targeting Key Political Leaders and Legislators
In a sharp political attack, the activist singled out Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing them of masterminding conspiracies against him. Jarange Patil also asserted that several Maratha legislators belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena are actively trying to sabotage the agitation. He claimed these MLAs have been making phone calls to his supporters, discouraging them from participating in the Mumbai march. He warned that his followers are prepared to politically challenge certain state ministers in their respective constituencies if the government fails to address their grievances.
Core Demands and Historical Context of the Agitation
This is not the first time Manoj Jarange Patil has pushed the state machinery to a corner. In January 2024, a similar protest march reached Vashi in Navi Mumbai. At that time, believing in the assurances of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and following the issuance of a government resolution (GR), Jarange Patil had agreed to call off his protest and return.
His primary demand remains the issuance of a formal government notification enabling Marathas to claim reservation benefits under the Kunbi category of the Other Backward Classes (OBC). To establish eligibility, he demands that the government accept historical records, Nizam-era documents, and old gazettes as proof of Kunbi lineage. However, this demand faces stiff resistance from established OBC organisations. These groups argue that including the dominant Maratha community under the OBC umbrella would severely dilute their existing reservation quota and deprive genuine OBC beneficiaries of their rightful opportunities.
An Eight-Day Ultimatum to the Maharashtra Government
Despite his aggressive stance, Jarange Patil has offered a window of reconciliation to the state government. He pointed out that there are still eight days left before his scheduled departure for Mumbai on September 15. This period, he suggested, gives the administration ample time to deliberate on the Maratha community's demands and issue the necessary orders to resolve the deadlock. If the government fails to act within this timeframe, the activist warned that the responsibility for any subsequent political fallout would lie entirely with the state leadership. He reiterated that his upcoming demonstration will be completely non-violent and democratic, inviting the entire Maratha community to join the march in a peaceful manner.
