Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Shinde Urges Maratha Protesters Not to Disrupt Mumbai Ganeshotsav
Maratha protesters want the government to provide reservation benefits for their community.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the government is working on their demands.
He said this should happen without taking away the rights of OBCs or other communities.
Shinde pointed to a 10% reservation and other programs already introduced for Marathas.
He asked protesters not to disturb Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Manoj Jarange Patil, a Maratha activist, was traveling to Mumbai to continue the protest.
His hunger strike had reached its 18th day.
Jarange said protesters should stay peaceful but that he would not give up the fight.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Maharashtra is working to provide Maratha reservation without affecting OBC or other communities.
Shinde cited a 10% Maratha reservation under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes category and related government measures.
He said protesters heading to Mumbai should not disrupt Ganeshotsav celebrations or create law-and-order problems.
Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil left Jalna for Mumbai as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day.
Jarange accused government politicians of cheating the Maratha community and urged supporters to remain united and peaceful.
- Who
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, and Maratha protesters.
- What
- The government’s Maratha reservation measures and an ongoing protest movement seeking further action.
- When
- Tuesday, September 15, 2026; Jarange’s indefinite hunger strike had entered its 18th day.
- Where
- The protest began at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, while Jarange was traveling to Mumbai; Shinde referred to Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav celebrations and Azad Maidan.
- Why
- The government says it is working to meet Maratha reservation demands while protecting OBC and other communities’ rights; protesters seek measures for the community’s welfare and children’s future.
Government Position
Protesters’ Position
Reservation policy
Government Position
Eknath Shinde said the government is working to provide Maratha reservation without affecting the rights of OBCs or other communities, while citing the existing 10% reservation and related programs.
Protesters’ Position
Manoj Jarange Patil said the government and politicians had cheated the Maratha community and maintained that he would continue pressing for its demands.
Mumbai protest conduct
Government Position
Shinde urged protesters to be patient, remain positive, and avoid disrupting Ganeshotsav celebrations or causing law-and-order problems.
Protesters’ Position
Jarange called for unity and peace among supporters but said he would not surrender before the government.
- Government official
- Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister
- Reservation cited
- 10% reservation for the Maratha community under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes category
- Additional measures
- Kunbi certificates, SARTHI work, scholarships, and steps to fill 5,300 vacant posts
- Protest leader
- Manoj Jarange Patil
- Hunger strike
- The indefinite hunger strike had entered its 18th day
- Proposed location
- Azad Maidan in Mumbai, though permission was uncertain
- Government appeal
- Protesters were asked not to disrupt Ganeshotsav or create law-and-order problems