Mumbai
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil began an indefinite hunger strike on August 29 at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, demanding that the government recognize Marathas as Kunbis under the OBC category and provide a 10% quota. He declared the demand “constitutionally valid” and insisted he will not leave the city until it is accepted. Jarange cited government records asserting that 58 lakh Marathas are officially registered as Kunbis, reinforcing his claim.
Third day without respite
On the third day of his fast, Jarange warned that he would stop drinking water starting Monday, if the government fails to act. He urged his supporters to reach Azad Maidan by train and advocated for food distribution points at places like Vashi, Chembur, Sewri, and Masjid Bunder.
Rising grassroots momentum
Approximately 30,000 protesters have converged at Azad Maidan—cooking, bathing, and receiving support from local communities—creating both pressure and visibility for their cause. While disruptions remain, traffic flow in key routes like the Eastern Freeway has improved thanks to police interventions and infrastructure support in the protest zone.
Legal and political complexities
Legal experts highlight the need for a constitutional amendment and central legislation to standardize the criteria for social backwardness and quota eligibility—especially since the last nationwide census was conducted in 2011. The Maharashtra government is already considering these legal constraints as it evaluates its next steps.
Meanwhile, the agitation has not been without pushback. Critics warn of potential Maratha–OBC vote splits in upcoming civic elections, and OBC leaders in Nagpur launched protests claiming their 27% quota should not be compromised.
Adding judicial scrutiny, the Bombay High Court ruled that protesters cannot occupy public spaces like Azad Maidan without prior permission—a reminder that public dissent must still align with legal frameworks