Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Manoj Jarange Patil Sets September Mumbai March Amid Ganesh Festival
Manoj Jarange Patil is leading a protest asking for reservation benefits for eligible members of the Maratha community.
He says protesters will travel from Jalna to Mumbai.
The march is expected to start on September 15.
Jarange has announced an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan.
Most reports say the protest will begin on September 19, but one report says people should reach Mumbai on September 20.
The march will happen during the Ganesh festival and immersion celebrations.
This could make roads and crowds in Mumbai harder for authorities to manage.
Jarange has told supporters not to throw stones, start fires or trouble other citizens.
He says the protest should follow democratic and peaceful rules.
Manoj Jarange Patil announced an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan beginning September 19 over the Maratha reservation demand.
Supporters are expected to begin marching from Jalna on September 15 through Beed, Shrigonda, Pune, Khopoli and Navi Mumbai.
One report says protesters should reach Mumbai on September 20, creating a discrepancy over the arrival date.
Jarange urged protesters to remain peaceful, avoid stone-pelting and fires, and follow a code of conduct during the agitation.
The proposed mobilisation coincides with Gauri Ganesh Visarjan, prompting concerns about traffic, crowds, security and public order.
- Who
- Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters.
- What
- They plan to march to Mumbai and hold an indefinite hunger strike demanding reservation benefits for the Maratha community, including eligible members’ access to Kunbi certificates.
- When
- The march is scheduled to begin on September 15, with the Mumbai protest reported to start on September 19; one report says protesters should reach Mumbai on September 20. Jarange’s existing hunger strike was described as being on its 14th or 15th day on September 12.
- Where
- The march will begin from Jalna and pass through parts of Beed, Ahilyanagar, Pune, Raigad and Navi Mumbai before reaching Mumbai’s Azad Maidan.
- Why
- Jarange says pressure is needed to make the Maharashtra government address the Maratha reservation demand, which he says remains unmet despite assurances.
Protest Organizers
Government and Administration
Permission to protest
Protest Organizers
Jarange says supporters will go to Mumbai whether or not the state government grants permission. He says organizers sought permission and are prepared to follow reasonable security conditions.
Government and Administration
Permission was reported as uncertain or not granted, while officials have raised concerns about security, traffic and public inconvenience.
Timing during Ganesh celebrations
Protest Organizers
Jarange says a democratic government should not obstruct a peaceful protest and that the agitation will not disrupt Ganesh celebrations.
Government and Administration
Revenue minister Chandrashelar Bawankule urged organisations to avoid protests in Mumbai during the festival, citing possible law-and-order challenges and inconvenience. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also criticised holding a protest during Ganeshotsav.
Public order and protest tactics
Protest Organizers
Jarange has called for a peaceful, democratic agitation and instructed supporters not to throw stones, set fires or inconvenience citizens. He also suggested local protests if travellers are harassed.
Government and Administration
Authorities must manage the proposed march alongside immersion processions, crowds, traffic restrictions and security arrangements. The Bombay High Court declined an urgent restraint order but noted that a law-and-order concern alone was insufficient to prohibit the protest.
- Protest leader
- Manoj Jarange Patil
- Main demand
- Reservation for the Maratha community in jobs and education, including Kunbi certificates for eligible members
- March begins
- September 15, from Jalna
- Planned Mumbai site
- Azad Maidan
- Reported Mumbai date
- September 19; one report gives September 20
- Major route stops
- Patoda, Shrigonda, Hadapsar, Khopoli and Koparkhairane, with reports also mentioning Beed, Ahilyanagar, Pune and Navi Mumbai
- Administrative concern
- The mobilisation coincides with Gauri Ganesh Visarjan and Ganeshotsav-related crowds, traffic restrictions and security arrangements
- Existing hunger strike
- Reported as being on its 14th or 15th day on September 12
Sources
Maratha Reservation Protest: Manoj Jarange Announces Mumbai March On September 20, Urges Supporters To Start Preparing For Agitation
'Must Return Victorious': Manoj Jarange Announces Indefinite Hunger Strike At Mumbai's Azad Maidan On Sept 19 Amid Ganesh Utsav - VIDEO
Manoj Jarange Patil To March To Mumbai On September 19 For Maratha Quota Protest Amid Gauri Ganesh Visarjan
