Mumbai: On reaching Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil accused the Maharashtra Government of not cooperating over the Maratha quota reservation issue, as he began his hunger strike on Friday. He said, “I will die… But won’t back down this time. Now we will not leave Mumbai till the time our demands are met. We all came to Mumbai because the government did not cooperate with us. The authority of giving permission is with the government, and we have now requested them to permit us; if not the government, the courts would give permission.”
Mumbai police have allowed Jarange permission to stage peaceful protests at Azad Maidan on August 29 between 9 am to 6 pm. At 6 pm, all protesters will have to leave the site, police said. Police also stipulated that only five vehicles of protesters can head to Azad Maidan and the number of protesters there should not cross 5,000. Over 1,500 Mumbai police personnel have been deployed at Azad Maidan to maintain law and order ahead of Jarange’s agitation, officials said.
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18 Aug 2025
Mumbai traffic police issued a travel advisory in connection with the Maratha Kranti rally held by Jarange Patil at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. The restriction and diversion are in effect until further notice.
Thousands of office-goers faced inconvenience Friday morning as Maratha protesters headed to the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai to join the protest launched by activist Jarange. Traffic drastically slowed down in the city’s southern and eastern parts, especially on roads leading towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Several buses were stuck in jams for a long time around CSMT during the morning rush hours.
Adding to the woes, the suburban services on the Central Railway were running late due to a snag in the engine of a goods train, which led to the bunching of local trains near Byculla station on the main line. Several commuters complained of overcrowded suburban trains and the unavailability of BEST buses at bus stops.
“I will not go back until our demands are met. Even if I am shot dead, I will not retreat,” said Jarange in his address to his supporters. He said 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 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to pay heed to the demands of the Maratha community. “Fadnavis saheb, this is your opportunity to win the hearts of Marathas,” he said.
“I have finally reached here to sit on a hunger strike. We all gathered because initially, the government was not cooperating. Now that I am here and have begun my fast, you do not need to worry. Those who wish to return to their villages may do so in the evening, you don’t have to remain here. I am here now, and I will not back out until the Marathas get reservations. This is my word to you. Even if the government shoots me down or puts me in jail, I will not withdraw until our demands are met,” he added.
