Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Jarange Plans Solo Mumbai Protest Amid Ganeshotsav Security Concerns
Manoj Jarange-Patil is protesting for reservation benefits for the Maratha community.
He wants some Marathas to receive Kunbi certificates, which are connected to benefits under the OBC category.
Police refused permission for his planned hunger strike in Mumbai because the Ganesh festival is taking place and officials are worried about safety and crowds.
Jarange first discussed travelling with thousands of supporters, but after permission was denied he said he would go alone.
He plans to leave his village on September 15 and protest at Azad Maidan.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked him to reconsider because the festival attracts many devotees.
Fadnavis said the government has addressed most of Jarange’s demands and must follow the law.
Jarange says he will continue peacefully but does not want only promises.
Police denied permission for Manoj Jarange-Patil’s indefinite Mumbai hunger strike, citing Ganeshotsav security and alleged past venue violations.
Jarange said he would leave Antarwali-Sarati for Mumbai alone on September 15, accompanied by 10 people and two ambulances.
He accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of blocking the protest and trying to blame the Maratha community for possible festival unrest.
Jarange is seeking Kunbi certificates for Marathas based on 58 lakh records, validation of four rejected certificates, and use of additional historical gazettes.
Fadnavis said most demands had been addressed but legal and court-related matters could not be resolved outside constitutional processes.
- Who
- Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, his supporters, the Maharashtra government, and police authorities.
- What
- Jarange plans to travel to Mumbai for a hunger-strike protest after police denied permission for the proposed demonstration.
- When
- He plans to leave on September 15; the proposed Mumbai hunger strike was to begin on September 19. The articles say Ganeshotsav began on September 14 or on the Monday referenced in the report.
- Where
- Jarange is expected to leave Antarwali-Sarati in Jalna district and protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
- Why
- He is demanding Maratha access to Kunbi certificates and related reservation benefits, while authorities cite security, public-order, and legal concerns.
Jarange-Patil and Maratha Protesters
Maharashtra Government and Police
Mumbai protest permission
Jarange-Patil and Maratha Protesters
Jarange says he has the right to travel to Mumbai and protest, and announced a solo journey after police denied permission for the larger hunger strike.
Maharashtra Government and Police
Police rejected the request because of Ganeshotsav security concerns, public-meeting and procession rules, and alleged violations of conditions during earlier protests.
Kunbi certificates and gazettes
Jarange-Patil and Maratha Protesters
Jarange wants certificates issued using all 58 lakh identified records, four rejected certificates validated, and additional historical gazettes applied to Marathas.
Maharashtra Government and Police
The government says it has already issued 3,16,977 certificates and argues that implementing other gazettes while the Hyderabad Gazette matter is before the court could overrule the judicial process.
Festival disruption and responsibility
Jarange-Patil and Maratha Protesters
Jarange alleges that people linked to Devendra Fadnavis could create unrest during the festival and blame the Maratha community.
Maharashtra Government and Police
Fadnavis says a large protest during Ganeshotsav could inconvenience devotees and has urged followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not to disrupt the festival.
- Police decision
- Permission for Jarange’s indefinite Mumbai hunger strike was denied because of security concerns during Ganeshotsav, public-meeting rules, and alleged non-compliance with conditions at previous protests.
- Revised travel plan
- Jarange said he would leave for Mumbai alone on September 15 at 11 a.m., accompanied by 10 people and two ambulances.
- Main certificate demand
- Jarange wants Kunbi certificates issued to Marathas using all 58 lakh historical revenue and Kunbi records identified by a government committee.
- Certificates issued
- The government says it has distributed 3,16,977 Kunbi caste certificates.
- Other demands
- Jarange wants four rejected Kunbi certificates validated and wants the Satara, Kolhapur, and other princely-state gazettes applied to Marathas.
- Government position
- Devendra Fadnavis said almost all demands had been met, while some matters remained in court or at other stages and had to be handled under existing law.
- Health and protest status
- Jarange was described as being on the 16th day of an indefinite fast in one report and as having fasted for about two weeks in another; his condition was reported to have deteriorated after refusing water, saline, and medical treatment.
