Manoj Jarange, who launched an indefinite hunger strike, accused the state government of spreading misinformation
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange, who launched an indefinite fast on Friday seeking reservation for the community, accused the state government of spreading misinformation about their agitation.
"We are not asking to reduce the OBC quota. Don't spread misinformation," Jarange said, adding that the community doesn’t want to indulge in politics.
“The government should not test the patience of the Maratha community," he warned.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: As Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil continues his hunger strike, his supporters take to the streets around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai over the reservation issue.
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2025
Mumbai Police officials and RPF personnel present… pic.twitter.com/3jxiZq6sF3
The activist has been demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas in government jobs and education. He wants Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, which will make them eligible for reservation.
Jarange launched an attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of trying to create instability and vitiate the atmosphere in the state.
"The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has an administrator, and under the influence of the chief minister, it has stopped food and water for protestors. We won't forget this. You have closed public toilets and hotels. Let's see how many days you harass poor Marathas," he said.
Security has been tightened in south Mumbai, where thousands of supporters have gathered in support of Jarange, who launched his indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan..
Considering the situation, the Mumbai police have deployed more than 2,000 personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.
VIDEO | Maharashtra: Maratha activist Manoj Jarange arrives at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. The 43-year-old activist received a rousing welcome from thousands of supporters, sporting saffron caps, scarves and flags, after he reached the protest venue.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2025
Jarange began his indefinite hunger… pic.twitter.com/gTMIkqiWfs
Leaves of all police personnel have been cancelled and they have been asked to join duty at the earliest to maintain the law and order situation in the city, an official told PTI news agency.
Meanwhile, the state government extended the tenure of the genealogy committees, constituted at the taluka level for the issuance of caste and caste validity certificates to eligible Maratha community members under the Kunbi caste of the OBC category, till June 30, 2026.
