Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil’s march towards Mumbai reached Shivneri Fort in Pune district on Thursday, with thousands of supporters joining him on the way. Jarange plans to launch an indefinite hunger strike in the city from August 29, demanding inclusion of the Maratha community in the OBC quota.
Anticipating a large turnout, Mumbai Police have imposed strict restrictions and deployed nearly 1,000 personnel along with CRPF units at sensitive locations. Authorities have permitted the protest only at Azad Maidan, from 9 am to 6 pm, with a cap of 5,000 participants. No marches, processions, or use of loudspeakers will be allowed, and protestors must vacate the ground after 6 pm.
While the state government has initiated backchannel talks, Jarange has rejected the limited permission, calling it unfair. He insists the agitation will continue until a permanent solution is found, even as the protest coincides with Ganeshotsav festivities, raising concerns of traffic and law-and-order challenges across Mumbai.
