Saralnama
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil is set to lead a large protest and begin an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Friday, demanding reservation benefits for Marathas under the OBC Kunbi category. Mumbai Police have granted conditional permission for a one-day protest from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., limiting attendance to 5,000 people and restricting vehicles to five, with strict rules against loudspeakers and rallies. Anticipating thousands of supporters from Mumbai and surrounding areas, police have deployed nearly 1,000 personnel at Azad Maidan and additional reinforcements citywide, including specialized units, to maintain law and order during the Ganesh festival and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit. Jarange Patil criticized the one-day limit as humiliating but vowed to continue the agitation until demands are met. Authorities have warned that violations of conditions will lead to legal action. The protest coincides with Ganeshotsav celebrations, posing a significant security challenge for Mumbai Police, who have appealed for peaceful conduct and adherence to guidelines. (Updated 28 Aug 2025, 23:48 IST; source: link)