Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Jarange Plans Mumbai Journey After Police Reject Protest Permission
Manoj Jarange-Patil is protesting for demands connected to the Maratha community.
He wants to hold a protest fast in Mumbai.
Mumbai Police rejected his request twice because they are worried about traffic, crowds and safety during the Ganesh festival.
Jarange then said he would travel to Mumbai with only a few close supporters.
He said he would keep fasting during the journey and after arriving.
He called the journey his “final battle” and said it could be dangerous for his health.
He asked other supporters to wait and not come to Mumbai yet.
His group later asked permission for a smaller protest involving 50 people.
If police reject that request, he may ask the Bombay High Court to intervene.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil said he would travel from Antarwali-Sarati to Mumbai with only eight to 10 close supporters.
He said he would continue his hunger strike during the five- to six-day journey and after reaching Mumbai, calling it his “final battle.”
Jarange urged Maratha community members not to travel to Mumbai yet and said he would tell them when to join.
Mumbai Police rejected his second request to hold a protest fast at Azad Maidan, citing traffic, crowd-management and security concerns during Ganeshotsav.
Jarange’s side submitted a fresh application for 50 protesters and reportedly considered approaching the Bombay High Court if permission was denied.
- Who
- Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
- What
- Jarange planned to travel to Mumbai and continue his hunger strike after police rejected permission for a protest at Azad Maidan; his side also sought permission for a smaller group of 50 protesters.
- When
- The reports place his departure on Tuesday, September 15; one account says he announced the plan on Monday and would leave the following day. The proposed protest dates mentioned were September 18 and September 19.
- Where
- The journey was to begin at Antarwali-Sarati and proceed toward Mumbai, with planned halts at Patoda, Shrigonda, Hadapsar and Khopoli. The proposed protest venue was Azad Maidan.
- Why
- Jarange said he was changing strategy after police denied permission, while police cited traffic, law-and-order and security concerns during Ganeshotsav.
Jarange’s Position
Government and Police Position
Permission for the protest
Jarange’s Position
Jarange said the festival period was being used as a reason to deny permission and planned to travel to Mumbai despite the rejection. His side submitted a fresh request limited to 50 protesters.
Government and Police Position
Mumbai Police said a large protest could cause serious traffic and law-and-order problems, particularly during Ganeshotsav and a period of heavy public footfall.
Status of Maratha demands
Jarange’s Position
Jarange accused the government of delaying action, including implementation of the Hyderabad Gazette, and said the Maratha community’s honour and dignity must be protected.
Government and Police Position
Fadnavis said the government had fulfilled almost all the community’s demands, while unresolved matters had to follow constitutional procedures or court processes.
Protest and dialogue
Jarange’s Position
Jarange said he remained open to talks but would continue his fast and described the journey as his “final battle.”
Government and Police Position
Fadnavis said the government had not closed the door to dialogue but urged Jarange to reconsider holding an agitation during the Ganesh festival.
- Protest venue
- Azad Maidan, Mumbai
- Police decision
- Mumbai Police rejected Jarange’s request for a large protest for the second time.
- Planned travelling group
- Jarange said he would travel with eight to 10 close associates.
- Fresh application
- His side sought permission for a protest involving 50 people.
- Planned journey
- A five- to six-day journey from Antarwali-Sarati toward Mumbai.
- Police concerns
- Traffic congestion, law-and-order problems, crowd management and security risks during Ganeshotsav.
- Possible legal action
- Jarange’s side said he might approach the Bombay High Court if the fresh request was rejected.
- Government position
- Devendra Fadnavis said almost all Maratha demands had been addressed, while some remained before courts or in process.
