Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange‑Patil plans to march to Mumbai and begin a hunger strike on September 19, creating a law‑and‑order challenge for the Maharashtra government during the Ganesh festival.

  • Manoj Jarange‑Patil has announced a 15‑day march to Mumbai.
  • He will start a hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19.
  • The march coincides with the peak of Ganeshotsav, heightening security concerns.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange‑Patil has declared that he and thousands of supporters will march from Jalna district to Mumbai, beginning a hunger strike on September 19. The move has unsettled the Maharashtra government, which fears large‑scale disruptions during the upcoming Ganesh festival.

Historical Background

Jarange‑Patil has been on his 11th hunger strike for two weeks in Antarwali‑Sarati village, the site where police lathi‑charge injured over 100 Maratha quota protesters in 2023. That incident intensified his confrontation with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

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Jarange‑Patil’s Core Demands

He demands that the Maratha community be placed in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and that Kunbi certificates be issued based on 5.8 million identified historical records. He also seeks the application of Satara, Kolhapur and other princely‑state gazettes to the Maratha population.

Government Response

The Maharashtra government has accepted 14 of the 15 demands but says one demand cannot be met because the matter is sub‑judice. BJP leader Prasad Lad explained, "The Hyderabad Gazette issue is already before the court; we cannot implement Satara and Kolhapur gazettes now."

Why This Matters

The march poses a serious law‑and‑order challenge, especially if Jarange‑Patil reaches Azad Maidan during the height of Ganeshotsav. BozokMedia analysis shows that crowd control and potential unrest could strain police resources and impact the festival’s smooth conduct.

"Jarange‑Patil’s march could reshape Maharashtra’s political calculus ahead of the next state elections."
Did You Know?: The 2023 police lathi‑charge in Antarwali‑Sarati injured more than 100 protestors, fueling Jarange‑Patil’s resolve to intensify his campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the primary objective of Jarange‑Patil’s march?
  • How is the Maharashtra government expected to address his remaining demand?