The Maratha reservation agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil entered its third day on Sunday, drawing lakhs of supporters from across Maharashtra. Addressing the gathering at Azad Maidan, Jarange warned the government that he would intensify his protest by stopping water intake from Monday, declaring that he would not leave Mumbai until Marathas were granted reservation under the OBC category.
Jarange Vows Harsher Agitation
“The government may do whatever it wants; we demand OBC reservation, nothing less. From tomorrow, I will begin a harsher hunger strike and stop drinking water,” Jarange said. He added that Maratha families across the state would continue to join the agitation in large numbers every weekend.
The area around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) has turned into a protest camp, with thousands of agitators cooking and sleeping on footpaths, complaining about inadequate civic amenities. Jarange appealed that protesters should not be dismissed as a “crowd,” insisting they had gathered out of pain and despair. He also instructed followers to travel by train instead of blocking city roads with vehicles and called for food distribution at Vashi, Chembur, Sewri, and Masjid Bunder.
Traffic Advisory for Mumbaikars
The Mumbai Traffic Police issued an advisory warning motorists of heavy traffic around CSMT and Azad Maidan due to the ongoing agitation, urging commuters to take alternative routes.
Political Reactions and War of Words
The protest has triggered sharp political exchanges. BJP minister Chandrakant Patil alleged that the agitation was being fueled for “political reservation,” noting that Marathas already enjoy 10% quota under SEBC/EWS categories.
Jarange hit back, accusing Patil of deliberately blocking caste validity certificates and threatening him not to provoke the Maratha community. “Tell Chandrakant Patil not to eat the curses of Marathas. If he talks more, it will be difficult for him,” he warned.
BJP MLA Nitesh Rane accused Jarange of dividing Hindus along caste lines and claimed that NCP MLA Rohit Pawar’s supporters were supplying resources to the protestors. Rane further alleged that Jarange insulted Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’s mother, warning: “No true Maratha would ever speak against someone’s mother. If anyone dares, we have the strength to cut that wagging tongue.”
Jarange dismissed Rane as a “chirping mouse” whose words carried no weight, adding, “Let the agitation finish, then I will deal with him.”
Raj Thackeray Dragged Into Row
Earlier, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had said that CM Eknath Shinde was the right person to resolve the matter. Jarange ridiculed Thackeray, accusing him of being subservient to Fadnavis. “Raj Thackeray is hungry for recognition. Even after his party collapsed, he continues to side with Fadnavis. In our villages, such a person is called someone with ‘crooked ears,’” Jarange remarked.
Government Yet to Act
Despite mounting pressure, the Maharashtra government has yet to present a concrete proposal to resolve the issue. Jarange reiterated that the agitation will continue until the Marathas are granted OBC quota.
