Maratha quota protest: Manoj Jarange begins hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai

Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange launched his indefinite hunger strike on Friday at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, drawing thousands of supporters waving saffron flags and chanting slogans. The 43-year-old activist declared that he would not withdraw until the community’s demands were fulfilled, even if it cost him his life.

Jarange accused the government of failing to address the Maratha community’s long-standing issues and urged his followers to remain peaceful, cooperate with police, and avoid disrupting the city. He specifically appealed to supporters not to block roads and to clear their vehicles within two hours to ensure Mumbaikars faced no inconvenience.

The protest caused heavy congestion on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Sion-Panvel Highway, prompting Navi Mumbai Police to impose traffic restrictions across major roads including the Eastern Freeway, P D’Mello Road, V N Purav Road, and Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road. Over 1,500 police personnel and additional central forces were deployed, while railway security at CSMT was also strengthened.

Jarange has demanded 10% reservation for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category by recognising all Marathas as Kunbis. He assured that the agitation would not disturb the ongoing Ganesh festival, insisting the movement remain disciplined and peaceful.