Maratha quota stir: Jarange vows Mumbai entry.
Earlier today, Mumbai Police served notice to Jarange and his team, directing them to vacate Azad Maidan immediately amid quota protests.
Continued his hunger strike at Azad Maidan. On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the protest marked its fifth consecutive day in the heart of the financial capital, drawing significant attention from political circles, the media, and ordinary citizens alike.
Jarange, who has emerged as the face of the Maratha reservation movement, reiterated that while he was open to dialogue with the government, he had no intention of leaving Mumbai until concrete action was taken. Speaking to his supporters, he stressed that this was not merely a personal struggle but a collective fight for justice, dignity, and equality for the Maratha community. “We are not here to create unrest. Until our voices are heard and our demands are implemented, we will not leave this ground,” he declared firmly.
Supporters, young and old, continue to gather around him, holding placards, chanting slogans, and showing solidarity with the movement. Despite the challenges of heat, exhaustion, and fatigue, the protest site has transformed into a hub of resilience. Volunteers are seen distributing water and essentials to the participants, while many from nearby localities stop by to extend their support, highlighting how the issue resonates beyond the boundaries of the Maratha community.
What makes this agitation significant is Jarange’s insistence on discipline and legality. He has repeatedly maintained that the protesters have not violated any law. “Our agitation is peaceful. We are not here to fight the system but to demand justice within it. Nobody can stop Marathas from entering Mumbai; this is our state, our capital, and we have every right to be heard here,” he said, rejecting allegations that the agitation was disruptive.
Authorities cited security concerns and the need to maintain public order in a city already grappling with heavy traffic, daily crowds, and multiple civic challenges. However, Jarange and his followers have made it clear that they see the protest ground as symbolic—the heart of Mumbai represents not only visibility but also the seriousness of their intent.
For many observers, Jarange’s movement represents more than just a demand for reservation in education and jobs. It symbolizes a broader struggle of a community seeking recognition and a fair share in the rapidly changing socio-economic fabric of Maharashtra. Over the past few years, the Maratha community, which forms a substantial portion of the state’s population, has expressed its frustration over unemployment, agrarian distress, and perceived neglect by successive governments.
The hunger strike has therefore become a rallying point, where individual grievances merge into a collective demand for systemic change. The presence of families, students, farmers, and even working professionals at Azad Maidan reflects the depth of this movement. For many, Jarange’s resolve to continue without food, even as his health remains under strain, is both inspiring and worrying. Doctors have been monitoring his condition closely, but he insists that his personal discomfort is secondary to the cause.
Political leaders across party lines are keeping a close watch, as the issue of Maratha reservation has the potential to alter the state’s political equations. Yet, amidst the high-stakes political calculations, the human side of the story remains visible—one of perseverance, unity, and the struggle for dignity.
At Azad Maidan, hope and determination coexist. For the Maratha protesters, this is more than just a fight for quota—it is about asserting their rightful place in the state’s future. And as Jarange has made clear, they are not leaving Mumbai until that future is secured.