Mumbai: Mumbai Police has dealt a fresh setback to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil by denying permission for his proposed fast-to-death at Azad Maidan for the second time. The activist had called for an indefinite hunger strike starting September 19 to push for the implementation of long-pending Maratha reservation demands.
Police authorities noted that alternative venues could be considered for the demonstration following the conclusion of the Ganeshotsav festival, but maintained a strict stance regarding Azad Maidan at present.
With permission denied consecutively, all eyes across Maharashtra are on Jarange Patil’s next course of action. Jarange Patil announced plans to begin his march from Antarwali Sarati toward Mumbai on September 15 to start an indefinite fast at Azad Maidan. However, repeated police rejections have cast uncertainty over the planned Mumbai march and the hunger strike.
Authorities cited severe traffic congestion and law-and-order issues caused during previous protests, where roughly 5,000 vehicles parked unauthorisedly across South Mumbai.
The 10-day Ganeshotsav, which began on September 14, brings massive footfalls and heightened security sensitivity to Mumbai. Under the 2025 guidelines, the designated 7,000-square-meter area at Azad Maidan can accommodate a maximum of 5,000 protesters.
Jarange Patil, however, has called on lakhs of supporters to assemble. An influx of protesters could disrupt operations at critical South Mumbai healthcare facilities (G.T., Cama, St. George, and Bombay Hospitals), courts, and key financial centres.
In response to the refusal, Jarange Patil announced that he remains steadfast in his decision and will proceed to Mumbai alone to fast, directing other supporters to stay back to prevent escalation. Legal advisers may also approach the High Court to challenge the police decision.
Meanwhile, state ministers and political leaders have appealed to Jarange to call off the protest given the ongoing festive period.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged all factions to maintain harmony, stating: “These holy days of Ganeshotsav are for collective resolve and unity, not for agitations. We must ensure that nothing tarnishes the peace and progress of Maharashtra during this period.”
Separately, Minister Bawankule shared key updates on state administrative measures. The government is set to introduce the “Land Titling Act,” making official land measurement mandatory prior to property registry to protect land rights. Data regarding drought-like conditions across 18 districts will be presented before the Cabinet. Re-surveys have been ordered in regions that recently received good rainfall to assess agricultural impact accurately, he added.
(IANS)
