Manoj Jarange, a prominent Maratha quota activist, has commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai on Friday, August 29, 2025. This action is a continuation of his efforts to secure reservation benefits for the Maratha community. Jarange's protest drew approximately 30,000 supporters to the area, causing significant traffic disruptions across the city.
Jarange is demanding that all Marathas be recognized as Kunbis, a sub-caste within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, which would make them eligible for reservations in government jobs and education. He has accused the Maharashtra government of not cooperating on the Maratha quota issue, which compelled the community to stage the protest in Mumbai. He declared that he would not leave Mumbai until the demands are met, even if it means sacrificing his life. "I will die… But won't back down this time. Now we will not leave Mumbai till the time our demands are met," Jarange stated.
Thousands of supporters, wearing saffron caps, scarves, and flags, welcomed the 43-year-old activist as he arrived at the protest venue around 9:45 am. He had begun his march from his village in Jalna district on Wednesday, and his convoy was greeted by supporters in Vashi before entering Mumbai.
The Mumbai Police have permitted Jarange and his supporters to protest peacefully at Azad Maidan on August 29, between 9 am and 6 pm. However, the police stipulated that all protesters must leave the site by 6 pm and restricted the number of vehicles to five and protesters to 5,000. Over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. Jarange expressed his dissatisfaction with the limited permission. "How come one can do a protest and get a demand fulfilled in a day," he questioned. He has requested the government to allow the protest to continue for more days.
The influx of protesters caused massive traffic jams, especially in South and East Mumbai, particularly around the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Traffic police issued advisories and diversions, and the Central Railway appealed to passengers to travel to CSMT only if necessary due to overcrowding. Restrictions were placed on vehicular movement on key roads, including the Eastern Freeway and P.D’Mello Road.
The activist urged his supporters not to block Mumbai’s roads and to park their vehicles in designated areas. "Clear the streets in two hours and ensure Mumbaikars are not troubled," he stated.
The Maharashtra government has stated that it is committed to the socio-economic upliftment of Marathas but cannot give in to political pressure on unreasonable demands that would do injustice to the OBCs. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state cabinet is discussing the Maratha quota issue. Meanwhile, the opposition has accused the government of ignoring the demands of the Marathas and playing with their sentiments. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the government, saying the Maratha community has been used and deceived in the past and urged the government to immediately hold dialogue with Manoj Jarange.
Jarange has accused the state government of provoking the Maratha community by including 29 castes in the OBC category. He has demanded that the Chief Minister and his administration listen to the cries of the poor Maratha community.
Political observers have warned of a potential flashpoint between the state and the Maratha community as the protest intensifies. Jarange’s hunger strike has put immense pressure on the Maha Yuti alliance.
