Manoj Jarange Patil will go on a fast at Azad Maidan today regarding Maratha reservation in Mumbai. Crowds of thousands of supporters, 1,500+ policemen deployed, traffic closed. Center of movement: OBC quota through clan certificate. Learn the latest updates of the movement.
Manoj jaranran patil hunger strike: The politics of Maharashtra is once again heated. Manoj Jarang Patil, a vocal leader of the Maratha Reservation Protest Mumbai, is going to sit on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai from today (29 August). This movement is not only a protest but a step changing step of social justice and political equations across the state.
Why is the Maratha reservation movement in discussion?
The Maratha community has been demanding education and reservation in government jobs for a long time. Jarange Patil argues that all the Marathas should be recognized under the Kunbi caste so that they can take advantage of OBC quota. He says that a separate reservation is difficult for the Marathas to stand in the court, so the clan certificate is a permanent solution.
Increased security in Mumbai, curfew -like situation on roads
CRPF, RAF and CISF teams have been deployed in Mumbai with more than 1500 policemen in Mumbai. Officials hope that more than 20,000 protesters will reach Azad Maidan. Ganeshotsav security forces have also been sent to the protest site to handle the crowd. The traffic police has closed several major roads including Sion-Panvel Highway, Eastern Freeway, Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road and Walchand Hirachand Marg from 6 am on Friday. This has affected traffic in Mumbai.
Additional security deployed at railway station
The deployment of Railway Protection Force and Maharashtra Security Force personnel has also been increased due to increasing gathering of agitators at CSMT station. Saffron hats, scarves and flags with flags are moving from the station to Azad Maidan as a procession.
Fadnavis government of Maharashtra under political pressure
Taking the movement seriously, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the state government is ready to solve the problems of the Maratha community, but quick decision on political reservation is not possible. Despite this statement, Maratha workers are expecting concrete steps from the government.
The background and impact of the movement
This movement of Manoj Jarange is not new. More than 8 lakh kunbi certificates were issued after her hunger strike movement in interwali Sarathi village of Jalna district in 2023. Thousands of Maratha families got the benefit of OBC quota. Today’s movement is considered to be an ordeal for the politics of Maharashtra as it can also change electoral equations.