- By Raju Kumar
- Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:24 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maratha Quota Protest: The Maratha quota protest once again revived after activist Manoj Jarange led another round of agitation in Mumbai, demanding the reservation for his community. The fresh round of protests in Mumbai came amid Ganesh festival celebrations in the financial capital of the country. Jarange-led protest began at iconic Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. Jarange began his hunger strike to press his quota demand.
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 around 9.45 am.
Even If I Am Shot Dead, I Will Not Retreat: Jarange
While addressing his supporters, Jarange reaffirmed that he would not go back until his demands are met. “I will not go back until our demands are met. Even if I am shot dead, I will not retreat,” the activist said. He asserted the government's “lack of cooperation” had compelled the community to march to Mumbai.
“Now that the government has allowed the protest, we must cooperate with the police and ensure that we do nothing that tarnishes the community's image,” he said. Jarange asked his supporters to park their vehicles at designated places. The activist urged his supporters not to block Mumbai's roads. “Clear the streets in two hours and ensure Mumbaikars are not troubled. Those who want to leave the city today can do so,” he said.
Over 1,500 Mumbai Police Personnel Deployed At Azad Maidan
The Mumbai Police deployed over 1,500 Mumbai police personnel at the Azad Maidan to maintain law and order as thousands of Maratha quota activists are expected to arrive at the site. The authorities also heightened the security at the nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) where quota agitation supporters are arriving from Maharashtra's hinterlands. Besides the local police, one company each of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) are also deployed at the protest venue and its surrounding areas to avoid any untoward incident amid the festival celebrations.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Satya Narayan and other senior officials visited the protest venue on Thursday evening. They took stock of the security arrangements at Azad Maidan and nearby places.
Jarange To Launch Indefinite Fast At The Azad Maidan
43-year-old Jarange would launch an indefinite fast at the Azad Maidan from today (August 29), in an attempt to push his long-pending demand for the Maratha quota. On August 26, Jarange, along with thousands of supporters, left his native Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district for Mumbai. Yesterday, he arrived at Shivneri fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and later proceeded to Mumbai.
What Is The Bone Of Contention In Maratha Quota Row?
Despite several rounds of talks with the government and efforts, Jarange's dream to get his community reservation remained unfulfilled. The government made efforts to include the Maratha community in the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) category to bypass the violation of the 50 per cent ceiling in the reservation. However, protests by other OBC communities and some technical barriers always arose. Jarange has been demanding that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, which will make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education. But the documents to prove Kunbis and other judicial issues made it very complex.