Mumbai Police Denies Permission for Manoj Jarange Patil's Azad Maidan Hunger Strike for Second Time
Mumbai Police denied Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil permission for an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan for the second time, citing security and festival constraints. Jarange alleged a conspiracy and vowed to proceed. Patil his legal advisers would approach the Bombay High Court to challenge the order.
Mumbai Police have denied permission for Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s proposed fast-to-death at Azad Maidan for the second time, setting up a fresh confrontation between the state administration and the agitator. The activist had called for an indefinite hunger strike starting September 19 to push for long-pending Maratha reservation demands.
Security Concerns and Festival Demands
Police authorities noted that alternative venues could be considered for the demonstration following the conclusion of the Ganeshotsav festival, but maintained a strict stance regarding Azad Maidan at present. In a six-page refusal letter, the Azad Maidan police station cited restrictions governing demonstrations, potential rule violations, and the heavy deployment required for the ongoing 10-day Ganeshotsav celebrations, reports the Hindustan Times. ‘Plot to Shoot Me During Mumbai March’: Manoj Jarange Makes Shocking Claim.
Authorities also pointed to severe traffic congestion and law-and-order issues witnessed during previous protests, where roughly 5,000 vehicles parked without authorisation across South Mumbai. Under current guidelines, the designated area at Azad Maidan can accommodate a maximum of 5,000 protesters, whereas Jarange Patil’s mobilisation targets lakhs of supporters. Police cautioned that such an influx could disrupt critical South Mumbai infrastructure, including major healthcare facilities, courts, and financial centres.
Jarange Patil's Response and Allegations
Reacting to the denial, Jarange Patil slammed the decision as a sign of high-handedness and asserted that his legal advisers would approach the Bombay High Court to challenge the order. Hardening his stance, the activist alleged a conspiracy against him. "There is a conspiracy to shoot me during the Mumbai march. They do not want to kill Marathas, but want to target me," Jarange alleged while speaking at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, reports The Hindu. He also stated that he would proceed with his plans despite the restrictions, maintaining that the protest would remain peaceful.
Political Appeals and Administrative Updates
State ministers and political leaders have appealed to Jarange to call off the protest given the ongoing festive period. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged all factions to maintain harmony, stating: "These holy days of Ganeshotsav are for collective resolve and unity, not for agitations. We must ensure that nothing tarnishes the peace and progress of Maharashtra during this period," reports IANS. Amruta Fadnavis Invites Manoj Jarange Home for a Meal: Will He Go? Here’s What He Said (Video).
Separately, Minister Bawankule shared updates on state administrative measures, noting that the government is set to introduce the "Land Titling Act" to make official land measurement mandatory prior to property registry. Additionally, data regarding drought-like conditions across 18 districts is slated for presentation before the Cabinet, alongside ordered re-surveys in regions that recently received substantial rainfall.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2026 09:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
