Maratha Quota Stir Intensifies in Mumbai, Jarange Warns Government Against Testing Patience

Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's indefinite hunger strike entered its second day at Azad Maidan on Saturday, bringing parts of south Mumbai to a halt. Jarange reiterated his demand for a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category, warning the government not to test the community's patience. Demands and Clarifications Jarange clarified that the demand is not for reducing the OBC quota but for rightful inclusion of Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste already in the OBC list. He argued that this recognition would make Marathas eligible for jobs and education benefits. Jarange accused the government of spreading misinformation and urged CM Devendra Fadnavis not to insult the poor Maratha community, stressing that the agitation is focused solely on reservation, not politics. Government Response and Committee Talks The state government has maintained that while it is willing to address social and financial issues faced by the Marathas, political reservations remain outside its purview. A cabinet sub-committee led by Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil is currently reviewing the demands within constitutional limits. Both CM Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde reiterated that OBC reservations will not be diluted. Traffic Disruption in South Mumbai On the second day of the protest, thousands of demonstrators gathered near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), causing major traffic disruptions. Police struggled to manage congestion as several routes were blocked. Overnight rains left puddles at the protest site, and participants complained of food shortages due to nearby shops remaining shut. Political and Community Support This marks Jarange's seventh hunger strike since 2023, with around 30,000 supporters assembling in Mumbai. Leaders from various political parties including NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT) visited Azad Maidan to extend solidarity. Jarange declared this as the "final fight," recalling past police action in Antarwali Sarati and accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises like farmer loan waivers. He urged his followers to remain peaceful but firm, vowing not to end the protest until Marathas secure their rightful share of quota.