Manoj Jarange to march solo in Mumbai after cops deny protest permission

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday said he would leave for Mumbai alone on September 15 to stage a protest at Azad Maidan, after police denied permission for his proposed indefinite hunger strike in the city. Mumbai police had rejected the request for the protest from September 19, citing security concerns during the ongoing Ganeshotsav.

Addressing supporters at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district on the 16th day of his indefinite fast, Jarange accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of blocking the protest out of fear and of trying to create unrest during the festival to blame the Maratha community. He also said he remained open to talks with the government, but wanted implementation instead of what he called hollow assurances.

The police turned down a formal request from Jarange's team, citing possible violations of rules governing public meetings, demonstrations and processions, along with alleged non-compliance with venue conditions during earlier protests.

"Fearing the strength of the Maratha community, the government has denied permission to go to Mumbai. As a counter to the government's decision, I will leave for Mumbai alone on September 15 at 11 am," Jarange said.

He appealed to members of the Maratha community not to gather in Mumbai immediately and said only 10 people and two ambulances would accompany him along the planned route from Tuesday morning.

"Fadnavis's people will create a disturbance during the Maratha rally and blame the Maratha community. That is why I have decided to go alone. Now, will the government deny permission for my solo march as well?" he asked.

Jarange, whose condition has worsened after he refused water, saline and medical treatment, said he would stand by his demands. He asked activists to save their resources and remain peaceful in their villages while he took the agitation to Mumbai. "The road ahead is full of obstacles, but I will not retreat from the struggle for the community," he said.

Calling himself a follower of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jarange said he would fight until his last breath and wanted to send a message that he "died but did not surrender".

One of his main demands is for a government resolution allowing Marathas to claim reservation available to the Kunbi community under the Other Backward Classes category on the basis of old records and gazette documents. OBC groups have opposed the demand, saying their share of benefits would be affected.

At the same time, Jarange said talks with the government were still possible. "We are ready to hold discussions with the government at any open ground. But we do not want hollow assurances; we want direct implementation," he said, while also warning political leaders that the Maratha community would decide their fate in future elections.

Jarange had earlier launched an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan on August 29 last year to press for Maratha reservation. That protest led to chaos in parts of Mumbai before it was called off after the government accepted some of his demands.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 14, 2026 14:57 IST