Manoj Jarange Denied Permission for September 19 Hunger Strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan

The Mumbai Police have denied permission to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil for his proposed indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, scheduled to begin on September 19. Authorities turned down the request citing severe security risks, potential disruptions to public order, and heavy operational deployment required during the ongoing Ganeshotsav festival.

The refusal was issued through a six-page order by the Azad Maidan police station. Officials pointed out that large-scale demonstrations during Ganeshotsav pose significant law and order challenges due to massive festive crowds across South Mumbai. The police also highlighted past violations of venue conditions during previous protests led by Jarange-Patil, which had severely disrupted traffic around major transport hubs like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Amruta Fadnavis Invites Manoj Jarange Home for a Meal: Will He Go? Here’s What He Said (Video).

Responding to the rejection, Jarange-Patil slammed the Maharashtra government, accusing it of high-handedness and attempting to suppress a democratic protest. Speaking from Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district-where his ongoing hunger strike entered its 16th day-the activist stated that his legal team will challenge the police order in court. He further alleged political conspiracies aimed at stopping his movement and declared that his planned march toward Mumbai starting September 15 would proceed as scheduled. ‘Plot to Shoot Me During Mumbai March’: Manoj Jarange Makes Shocking Claim.

The activist has been demanding the implementation of Kunbi caste certificates for eligible Marathas based on historic records to enable inclusion under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota category. Despite the police's refusal, Jarange-Patil reiterated his call for a peaceful march, urging supporters to maintain discipline while pressing the state administration to address their reservation demands.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2026 11:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).