Maharashtra govt softens stand as Jarange refuses to budge on Mumbai protest tomorrow

The activist, pushing for OBC reservations for Maratha community, left Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district on Tuesday and halted overnight at Patoda in Beed.

After maintaining a firm stand for nearly a week, the state government softened its position and sent a draft proposal to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on Wednesday, the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike. The government also appealed to him to call off the strike and cancel his planned march to Mumbai as it could disrupt the Ganesh festivities.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange rests during indefinite fast, at Antarwali Sarati village, in Jalna district, Maharashtra, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (PTI)

Jarange-Patil, however, said he is determined to reach Mumbai on September 18 and lead the protest but is open to dialogue with the government. He said if he is stopped from entering Azad Maidan, “lakhs of Marathas would proceed to Mumbai”.

Health Concerns

The activist, who is pushing for OBC reservations for the Maratha community, left Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district on Tuesday and halted overnight at Patoda in Beed district. He was unable to proceed to Shrigonda in Ahilyanagar district due to his deteriorating health.

Talks Before Protest

“I am open to dialogue, but let me make it clear that there will be no compromise on our demands. The decision to call off the strike will be taken only after the assurances given to us are implemented. My protest in Mumbai remains,” said the activist on Wednesday.

Plans for Mumbai Arrival

“I will reach Mumbai alone at 10:00am on September 18 to assess the preparations at Azad Maidan. I have requested Marathas to remain in their respective villages and not travel to Mumbai until I ask them to,” he said. If he is prevented from entering the venue, lakhs of Marathas would travel to Mumbai, he reiterated.

Direct Journey to Mumbai

Dropping his plan to halt at Shrigonda and Khopoli, Jarange-Patil said he would travel directly to Mumbai after departing on Thursday afternoon. Government doctors treating him have advised hospitalisation.

Conditions for Resolution

While acknowledging that the government had accepted most of his demands, Jarange Patil placed four conditions before it on Wednesday.

Specific Demands

“They should revise the government resolution issued to implement the Hyderabad Gazetteer and streamline the issuance of Kunbi certificates. There should be a time-bound assurance for implementing the Satara and Kolhapur gazetteers. Kunbi certificates should be issued on the basis of all 5.8 million records related to Kunbi lineage collected by the government. The government should also ensure that caste validity committees clear all the certificates issued by the government,” he said, insisting that the assurances come from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Dialogue Emphasized

Meanwhile, state water resources minister and chairperson of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Maratha Reservation, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said on Wednesday, “The issue can be resolved through dialogue and discussion, and there is no need to use force. We are consulting experts on the reservation issue.”

Legal Concerns Over Protest

The Amy Foundation, an NGO, has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking an order to prevent the agitation at Azad Maidan. “Azad Maidan is surrounded by hospitals, courts and important government offices. Any such protest could bring life in the city to a standstill and cause economic losses,” said Mahendra Ratna, the lawyer representing the foundation.

Police Review of Protest Application

While reviewing Jarange-Patil’s third application seeking permission to hold a protest at Azad Maidan, the Mumbai police have sought several clarifications and have pointed to apparent contradictions in his application to stage a public protest.