Manoj Jarange Maratha Quota Demand: In Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, a powerful protest is unfolding—one that carries the emotions, pain, and determination of millions of Marathas. At the center of it all is activist Manoj Jarange, whose relentless voice has once again brought the Maratha quota demand into the spotlight. With his hunger strike entering its third day, Jarange has made it clear that he will not leave the city until justice is delivered to his community.
The demand is simple yet deeply contentious: a 10 percent reservation for Marathas, with official recognition as Kunbis, an agrarian caste already listed under the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category. For Jarange, this fight is not just political—it is constitutional, emotional, and rooted in decades of struggle.
The Core of Manoj Jarange’s Maratha Quota Demand
Standing firm at Azad Maidan, Jarange declared that his demand has legal and constitutional backing. According to him, government records already recognize nearly 58 lakh Marathas as Kunbis, strengthening the case for inclusion under OBC. This recognition would allow the community access to reservation benefits in jobs and education.
But Jarange’s words are more than just statistics—they carry a warning. He has announced that if the government fails to respond, he will stop consuming even water starting tomorrow, escalating his protest into a life-threatening hunger strike. His unwavering determination has drawn thousands of supporters to Mumbai, transforming the agitation into one of the state’s most high-profile demonstrations in recent memory.
A City Feeling the Impact
The presence of Jarange’s supporters at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) has already started to disrupt Mumbai’s traffic. Police have issued advisories urging motorists to avoid the area, while protesters continue to gather in large numbers, united by a shared cause.
Jarange, however, has urged discipline among his followers. He asked them to travel by train, avoid blocking roads, and not be mistaken as just another “crowd.” According to him, every protester has arrived with deep pain in their heart, demanding recognition and justice, not chaos.
Political Reactions and Rising Tensions
The Manoj Jarange Maratha quota demand has reignited political debates across Maharashtra. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray questioned Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asking why the issue has resurfaced if it was already resolved during Shinde’s earlier tenure. Jarange responded diplomatically, praising the Thackeray brothers but also accusing political rivals of misleading leaders on the issue.
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has maintained that the government is committed to finding a constitutional and legal solution. A committee led by retired High Court judge Sandeep Shinde has been reviewing gazettes related to Kunbi records for over a year. But Jarange insists the time for studies is over—now is the time for action.
“Final Fight” for the Maratha Community
For Jarange, this protest is not just another agitation—it is the community’s “final fight.” His demand is clear: Marathas in regions like Marathwada must be declared Kunbis, and the Hyderabad and Satara gazettes must be turned into law. Only then, he argues, will the Marathas receive their rightful place within the OBC category.
The hunger strike has already become a rallying point for the community, with food trucks and volunteers organizing supplies for supporters arriving from across Maharashtra. Jarange has also warned people against exploitation, asking them not to pay for umbrellas or raincoats being distributed at protest sites.
What Lies Ahead
The Manoj Jarange Maratha quota demand has placed the Maharashtra government in a delicate position. With emotions running high and thousands gathering in support, the administration must balance legal frameworks with urgent political realities. Whether a resolution comes quickly or the standoff intensifies, one thing is certain—the movement has once again brought the issue of caste, reservation, and justice into the heart of India’s political conversation.
For now, all eyes are on Azad Maidan, where a lone activist’s hunger strike has reignited one of Maharashtra’s most pressing social questions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from Press Trust of India and other available media sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal or political advice.
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