Activist Jarange-Patil to begin Maratha quota hunger strike in Mumbai
What's the story
Manoj Jarange-Patil, a prominent Maratha reservation activist, has announced plans for an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai. The protest will start on September 19 at Azad Maidan, demanding job and education quotas for the Maratha community. Before the hunger strike, Jarange-Patil and his supporters will march through Western Maharashtra from September 15 to September 18.
Protest details
March will cover multiple districts
The march will cover several districts, with stops in Patoda (Beed) on September 15, Srigonda (Ahilyanagar district) on September 16, Hadapsar (Pune district) on September 17, Khopoli (Raigad district) on September 18, and Khoparkhairane (Navi Mumbai).
The protesters are expected to cover around 100km each day before reaching their designated halting points.
Peaceful demonstration
Maintain peace during march, says Jarange-Patil
Jarange-Patil has urged protesters to maintain peace during the march, saying, "Do not resort to stone pelting no matter what the action is from the other side."
He also appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis not to create hurdles for the protesters.
The activist has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 29, demanding Kunbi certificates for Marathas based on 5.8 million records.
Past protest
Earlier hunger strike brought parts of Mumbai to a standstill
Jarange-Patil's earlier hunger strike in August-September 2025 had brought parts of Mumbai to a standstill.
He accuses the state government of not implementing gazette-related demands and failing to issue caste certificates based on 5.8 million Kunbi records.
His main demand is a Government Resolution allowing Marathas to claim reservation benefits available to the Kunbi community in the Other Backward Classes segment, a move opposed by OBC groups fearing their share of benefits will be affected.