Maratha Quota Row: Manoj Jarange Launches Hunger Strike in Mumbai

Quick Summary

• Maratha quota movement leader Manoj jarange commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, south Mumbai, on August 29, 2025.
• Mr. Jarange demands a 10% reservation for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category by recognizing all Marathas as Kunbis.
• Thousands of supporters welcomed him at the protest venue sporting saffron caps and flags.
• Mr. Jarange warned about not retreating until demands are met, despite limited permission for the protest till 6 p.m., august 29.
• He emphasized peaceful protests during Mumbai’s ongoing Ganesh festival to avoid disruptions.
• Conditions imposed by police included a cap on vehicles and protesters allowed to enter Azad Maidan and directives against blocking streets or raising objectionable slogans.
• Traffic congestion near CSMT station was reported due to large crowds arriving for the protest from Maharashtra’s hinterlands.
• Over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed at Azad Maidan and additional security was ensured around CSMT.

Read more: Protest details

Indian Opinion Analysis

The protest led by Manoj Jarange underscores longstanding tensions over the issue of reservations within India’s complex caste-based affirmative action framework. The demand to recognise all Marathas as Kunbis seeks inclusion in OBC quotas-a move that could significantly impact opportunities in employment and education-but risks affecting existing beneficiaries within this reserved category.

The scale of mobilization hints at strong community backing while demonstrating strategic restraint with calls for peaceful conduct during major cultural celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi. This approach helps maintain public goodwill but also reflects efforts to avoid backlash that could weaken their position.

Restrictive permission from authorities reflects concerns over potential disruptions in urban areas like Mumbai; however, it may also amplify grievances among protesters if perceived as obstructive rather than cooperative governance.

Moving forward,resolving this issue without inciting broader societal unease will require careful balancing between legal frameworks on caste-based reservations and community expectations-a challenge demanding nuanced dialog between stakeholders including government actors and judiciary systems.