Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Fadnavis, Shinde Urge Restraint as Jarange Heads to Mumbai
Manoj Jarange Patil is leading a protest about Maratha reservation.
He has started traveling to Mumbai to hold an indefinite hunger strike.
The government says many of the protesters’ demands have already been accepted.
One report says 12 of 13 demands were accepted, while another says 12 of 14 were accepted.
The remaining issues are described as being before the courts.
Police had rejected the first request for permission to protest, but a new request may be considered.
Government leaders are worried that a large protest could disturb Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Jarange says the protest will continue but has asked supporters to stay peaceful.
Manoj Jarange Patil left Antarwali Sarati for Mumbai as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said police had rejected the initial protest application, while a fresh request would be assessed.
Fadnavis said the government had accepted 12 demands, though reports differed on whether Jarange had 13 or 14 core demands.
Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde warned that protests could create law-and-order concerns during Ganeshotsav.
Jarange accused political leaders of misleading the Maratha community but urged supporters to remain united and peaceful.
- Who
- Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
- What
- Jarange is traveling to Mumbai for a proposed indefinite hunger strike and agitation over Maratha community demands.
- When
- September 15, 2026; Jarange’s hunger strike had entered its 18th day.
- Where
- Jarange departed from Antarwali Sarati for Mumbai, with the proposed protest site at Azad Maidan.
- Why
- Jarange says he is seeking the welfare and future of Maratha children, while the government cites pending demands and concerns about public order during Ganeshotsav.
Government Position
Jarange’s Position
Permission and law and order
Government Position
Fadnavis said police responsibility includes maintaining law and order and that the initial protest application was rejected. Shinde urged protesters not to create disruptions during Ganeshotsav.
Jarange’s Position
Jarange and his supporters said the journey to Mumbai would continue despite the lack of official clearance, while Jarange urged them to remain peaceful.
Progress on demands
Government Position
The government says it has taken a positive and open-minded approach and accepted most of the demands, with remaining issues before the courts.
Jarange’s Position
Jarange accused politicians, particularly those in government, of cheating or misleading the Maratha community and said he would not surrender.
Timing of the agitation
Government Position
Fadnavis and Shinde asked protesters to consider the impact of a large agitation during Ganeshotsav and protect devotees from disruption.
Jarange’s Position
Jarange proceeded toward Mumbai for the hunger strike, while supporters said the festival could continue even as he fasted and followers visited Ganpati pandals.
- Protester
- Manoj Jarange Patil
- Proposed venue
- Azad Maidan, Mumbai
- Government position
- The initial application for the agitation was rejected; a fresh application will be evaluated.
- Accepted demands
- The reports say 12 demands have been accepted, but differ on whether there were 13 or 14 core demands.
- Pending matters
- Some issues remain sub judice, according to the reports.
- Festival concern
- Officials urged protesters not to disrupt Ganeshotsav celebrations in Mumbai and Pune.
- Protest status
- Jarange’s indefinite hunger strike had reached its 18th day.
