September 2, 2025

Manoj Jarange-Patil, the fiery activist behind the Maratha quota protest, has made it clear: his hunger strike will go on, even if he ends up in jail! On Tuesday, he boldly accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of plotting against the Marathas. What’s driving Jarange-Patil’s hunger strike, which began Friday? He demands quota benefits for all Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, by including them in the Kunbi sub-caste list – because Kunbis already get OBC benefits. The state government is moving fast, preparing a government resolution to meet these demands. The Cabinet sub-committee, led by Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe, was set to meet Tuesday to review the draft. It might soon be shown to Jarange-Patil for approval. Respecting the Bombay High Court’s order, Jarange-Patil said, “We have cleared all the roads around CSMT station and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation by parking our vehicles elsewhere.” Still, he warned that Marathas coming from all over Maharashtra to Mumbai will have their vehicles around the protest site, holding the streets tight because the government made no alternative plans. Jarange-Patil lashed out at the government’s attempts to scare protesters by using police, cutting off water and food, or filing cases. “Nobody can stop Marathas from entering the city. The government will realise the strength of Marathas after Saturday and Sunday, when they will throng the city in huge numbers,” he said confidently. He gave a fiery promise: even if jailed, his strike – and the fight – will not end. “I will not give in until all the demands are met, and even if I die,” Jarange-Patil declared. He asked his supporters to keep the strike peaceful. His warning to the government was sharp: block Marathas from entering Mumbai, and their leaders will be barred from anywhere else in the state. He pushed hard for the government to start handing out Kunbi certificates immediately, to secure the quota. Jarange-Patil also demanded justice for protesters hurt or killed during the agitation. Families of those who died should get compensation and government jobs. Police who abused protesters should face attempted murder charges. Plus, all cases against protesters filed in 2023 and 2024 must be dropped. The scene is set for a high-voltage showdown, with the Maratha community’s hopes pinned on quota and their leaders unyielding. Will the government and protesters find a solution or face more stormy days? Only time will tell!

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Tags: Manoj jarange patil, Maratha quota, Hunger strike, Devendra fadnavis, Obc, Mumbai protests,