Manoj Jarange-Patil Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike in Mumbai

New Delhi, August 29, 2025: Manoj Jarange-Patil, a prominent activist for Maratha reservation, has commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, intensifying the long-standing demand for a quota under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The protest, which began today, saw thousands of supporters from across Maharashtra converge on the city, causing significant traffic disruptions. A fresh round of agitation has been launched after the activist was denied a formal meeting with the state government, and his demands for unconditional reservation were not met.

Protesters Gather in the Heart of Mumbai

On August 29, 2025, a massive gathering of Maratha community members took place at Azad Maidan, a historical protest site in South Mumbai. The crowd, which included thousands who arrived with Jarange-Patil in a large convoy of vehicles, expressed solidarity with the activist’s cause. A pledge was made by Jarange-Patil that his protest would not be withdrawn until his community’s demands were met, with a statement being issued that he would “not back down even if I am shot.”

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The peaceful nature of the protest has been emphasized by organizers, and requests have been made to the public to cooperate with traffic police to prevent inconvenience to Mumbaikars. However, significant traffic congestion has been reported on key arterial roads, including the Eastern Freeway, as thousands of protesters made their way to the protest site. The Mumbai Traffic Police had issued an advisory in advance, closing several roads and suggesting alternate routes to manage the flow of vehicles.

Demands and Government’s Stance

The central demand of the protest is a 10% reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and education under the OBC quota. It is being insisted upon by Jarange-Patil that all Marathas be recognized as Kunbis, a caste already included in the OBC category, which would make them eligible for the reservation benefits.

In response to the growing agitation, a cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation was reconstituted, with a new chairman appointed to lead discussions. The committee has been given a six-month extension to continue its work on the issue. While the government has stated its positive approach to the demands, it has been reiterated that any decision must be made within the legal framework, a stance that is being viewed with skepticism by the protesters.

The current hunger strike at Azad Maidan is the latest in a series of protests and demonstrations led by Jarange-Patil, who gained prominence after a similar hunger strike in September 2023. This current agitation is being seen as a final struggle by the community to secure their long-pending demand, and the government is under immense pressure to find a resolution that satisfies all stakeholders, including the OBC community who are concerned about their existing reservation.