Manoj Jarange Patil begins indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai, says won’t back down even if he is shot down

The protest comes amid fresh rules notified by the police on August 26 under the Public Meetings, Agitations and Processions Rules, 2025, which prohibit protests after 6 pm and cap participation at 5,000 people. However, according to the Social Service unit of the Mumbai police, nearly 40,000 people are expected to take part in the rally, far exceeding the permitted limit and in violation of the notification.

Jarange Patil, however, insisted that the authorities should grant permission for the agitation to continue until the demands are fulfilled. “We have come to Mumbai because the government did not cooperate with us. The authority to grant permission lies with the government, and we have requested them to allow us. If not the government, then the courts will give us permission,” he said on reaching the protest venue.

The activist declared that he was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the Maratha cause. “I will die, but won’t back down this time. We will not leave Mumbai until our demands are met,” he asserted.

Addressing thousands of supporters, Jarange Patil repeatedly appealed for restraint and discipline during the protest. “Cooperate with the police. Do not trouble Mumbaikars. Don’t do anything that would bring disrepute to the community. Do not pelt stones or set anything on fire. Remain peaceful,” he urged.

“I should not be hearing any news of misbehaviour from you. I don’t want to hear that Mumbaikars have been troubled or are unhappy with us,” he added.

He further instructed community members to stay in Vashi at night and gather at Azad Maidan only in the morning, while also encouraging those who had travelled from distant villages to return after the day’s protest. “Now that I have begun my fast, you do not need to worry. Those who wish to return to their villages may do so in the evening — you don’t have to remain here. I am here now, and I will not back out until the Marathas get reservations,” he said.

“Even if the government shoots me down or puts me in jail, I will not withdraw until our demands are met,” Jarange Patil said, adding, “I won’t get ‘managed’ till the last breath of my life.”

He also made a direct appeal to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Fadnavis saheb, this is your opportunity to win the hearts of the Marathas… We have only one demand and that is reservation,” Pail said.

The Maratha community, which comprises over 30 per cent of Maharashtra’s population, has been demanding reservation in education and government jobs for several years. In 2018, the state government granted them a 16 per cent quota under the Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) category, but the Supreme Court struck it down later, ruling that it breached the 50 per cent reservation cap.

Since then, fresh agitations have erupted across the state, with Jarange Patil emerging as a prominent face of the movement. His hunger strikes in 2023 drew widespread participation and put pressure on the government to find a legal route to implement the Maratha quota.