On the fourth day of his hunger strike at Azad Maidan, activist Manoj Jarange intensifies the Maratha reservation protest by pledging to refuse water from September 1, demanding inclusion of Marathas in the OBC quota—while the state explores legal avenues amid growing civic unrest.

Jarange Escalates Maratha Quota Protest, Vows to Stop Drinking Water on Fourth Day

Mumbai, September 1, 2025 — Activist Manoj Jarange intensified his agitation today as his hunger strike entered its fourth day, declaring he would refuse water from Monday onward to press for Maratha inclusion in the OBC (Other Backward Classes) quota. The sit-in at Azad Maidan has grown both in intensity and public visibility, drawing thousands of supporters and prompting significant traffic disruptions across South Mumbai.

From Hunger Strike to Total Fast—Jarange Turns Up the Heat

Jarange began an indefinite hunger strike on August 29, demanding that the Maharashtra government issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas based on historical records like the Hyderabad and Satara gazettes. Three days later, with no breakthrough, he declared the escalation: “I shall fast unto death,” and announced he would stop drinking water from September 1.

Massive Turnout and Citywide Disruption

The protest has drawn crowds estimated between 35,000 to 45,000, bringing large parts of South Mumbai to a standstill. Traffic diversions have been imposed near Marine Drive, DN Road, P D’Mello Road, and CSMT, with bus services suspended and educational institutions like St. Xavier’s College shifting to online classes. The Mumbai traffic police warned commuters about prolonged delays, while railway authorities urged planning buffer time for travel.

Government Response and Legal Roadblocks

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the government’s intent to address the agitation but insisted that any solution must align with constitutional provisions and court rulings. A cabinet sub-committee led by Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and including Retd. Justice Sandeep Shinde and Advocate General Birendra Saraf is reviewing the issue in search of a viable legal path.

Fadnavis emphasized that the government cannot issue blanket Kunbi certificates, citing past High Court and Supreme Court rulings.

Political and Social Faultlines

Opposition leaders, including MP Supriya Sule and MLA Abu Asim Azmi, have visited Jarange, pledging solidarity. Meanwhile, OBC groups such as the Rashtriya OBC Mahasangh are mounting counter-protests, highlighting growing tensions between the communities.

Analysts warn that the agitation could reshape voter dynamics in upcoming civic polls by fracturing the Maratha–OBC vote bloc.

Jarange’s Resolve and Call for Peace

Jarange called for calm, urging his supporters to avoid violence and resist exploitation. He even offered to refund diesel payments made for protest logistics and instructed participants to use public transport and designated parking areas.

He based the protest’s legal foundation on gazette records indicating Marathas and Kunbis were historically considered the same group in Marathwada and urged the government to act accordingly