‘Not terrorists…they are in Mumbai for legitimate rights’: Uddhav slams Mahayuti for backing out on reservation promise

Uddhav Thackeray’s remarks were made in the backdrop of Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike in Mumbai. The Maratha activist’s protest for reservation drew thousands to the city.

By: Express News Service

Mumbai | August 29, 2025 05:25 PM IST

Thackeray said the Maratha community had been “used and deceived” in the past. (file photo)

Amid Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike in Mumbai demanding reservation for his community, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday criticised the ruling Mahayuti government over the ongoing protest, urging it to resolve the issue through dialogue.

“They are not terrorists. They have come to Mumbai for their legitimate rights, not to create chaos. If the Marathi people are not going to protest in Mumbai, where else—Surat or Guwahati? Mumbai is the capital of the Marathi people,” Thackeray said, speaking at a press conference.

Thackeray said the Maratha community had been “used and deceived” in the past, and now that the Mahayuti is in power, their demands should be fulfilled. He specifically mentioned Jarange Patil, stating that he had been forced to protest in Mumbai to demand justice.

Thackeray criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who took office in December 2024, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who was the CM for the preceding 2.5 years. Thackeray said Shinde had taken an oath to provide reservation to the Maratha community, yet the promise remained unfulfilled. “Despite repeated assurances and holding power, Jarange Patil has not received justice. Only back-and-forth politics is happening. The government must act,” he said.

Thackeray also addressed questions about whether Marathas should be given OBC reservation. “Such questions should be asked of those who promised it(Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis). I may comment, but what will they do? The Marathas have been deceived so far. It was said that reservation would be given, taking an oath in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. All responsibility lies with the government. I have already stated my position to Jarange, but it is up to the government to act,” he said.

Further referring to Shinde’s pledge at his Dussehra rally, where he promised reservation for the Maratha community, he said, “Those who had pledged to provide reservation have now retreated. There is currently infighting within the alliance. I have no role in granting this myself. The government must resolve this issue. Marathi people attending protests during Ganeshotsav are here to demand justice, not to create disturbances.”

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