After Mumbai Cops Deny Nod for Stir From September 19, Manoj Jarange Slams Government; Claims Conspiracy to Kill Him

Mumbai Police Deny Permission for Jarange's Hunger Strike

Mumbai Police have denied permission to Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange for his proposed indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan beginning September 19.

The police rejected a formal request submitted by Jarange's team, citing security concerns during the ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations. The festival period is expected to place additional pressure on Mumbai's police and security resources.

Police Cite Law-and-Order Concerns

According to the police order, authorities were concerned about the possibility of large crowds and traffic disruptions during the festival period.

The police also referred to alleged violations of rules governing public meetings, demonstrations and processions, as well as concerns arising from previous protests. Officials pointed to last year's agitation, when crowds reportedly exceeded permitted limits and caused significant traffic problems in parts of south Mumbai.

Jarange Accuses Maharashtra Government of Suppression

Jarange strongly criticised the decision, accusing the Maharashtra government of attempting to suppress his agitation for Maratha reservation.

Speaking at his protest site in Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, he described the police decision as "dictatorship and high-handedness" and questioned the basis for denying permission before the protest had even begun.

He also said his legal team would challenge the police order.

Jarange Claims Conspiracy to Kill Him

The Maratha quota activist also made a serious allegation, claiming there was a conspiracy to kill him during his proposed march to Mumbai.

Jarange alleged that people linked to ruling parties could be sent into the march to create chaos and target him. He specifically claimed that there was a plan to shoot him during the mobilisation.

These are allegations made by Jarange and have not been independently established.

Activist Says He Will Not Back Down

Despite the police denial, Jarange said he remained determined to travel to Mumbai and continue his agitation.

He has maintained that his protest is peaceful and democratic and has said that he would not surrender his demand for Maratha reservation. He also stated that he was prepared to face government inquiries or other pressure without withdrawing from the movement.

Jarange Plans to Leave for Mumbai on September 15

Jarange had earlier announced that he and his supporters would leave for Mumbai on September 15 and that he intended to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19.

However, after the police denied permission, he announced a modified plan to travel to Mumbai largely on his own. On Monday, he said only a small number of people and two ambulances would initially accompany him, asking supporters not to immediately gather in large numbers.

Protest Planned During Ganeshotsav

The timing of Jarange's proposed agitation has become a major issue because it coincides with Ganeshotsav celebrations in Maharashtra.

Police have argued that the large crowds associated with the festival could make it difficult to manage another major mass mobilisation in Mumbai. The festival is scheduled to run from September 14 to 25 this year.

Jarange, however, has rejected the argument that his protest should be prevented because of the festival, saying the Maratha community also participates in Ganesh celebrations.

Bombay High Court Had Earlier Refused Urgent Restraint

The latest police decision comes after the Bombay High Court declined to issue an urgent order stopping Jarange's proposed protest.

According to the PTI report, the court observed that every person has a right to protest and that a protest cannot be restrained merely on the apprehension that it could create law-and-order problems.

Jarange has cited the court's position while challenging the police decision.

Maratha Reservation Remains at the Centre

Jarange's agitation is focused on the long-standing demand for reservation for Marathas in education and government employment.

One of his major demands is a government resolution that would enable eligible Marathas to claim reservation benefits available to the Kunbi community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category based on historical records and gazette documents.

OBC groups have opposed the proposal, arguing that extending such benefits could affect their existing share of reservations.

Jarange Claims 58 Lakh Kunbi Records Found

Jarange has also claimed that around 58 lakh Kunbi records have been identified and has demanded that certificates be issued to eligible Marathas on that basis.

The issue remains politically sensitive because it involves the intersection of Maratha reservation demands and concerns raised by existing OBC communities over the distribution of reservation benefits.

Tensions Rise Ahead of Mumbai March

With the police refusing permission and Jarange insisting that he will proceed towards Mumbai, tensions surrounding the proposed agitation have increased.

Jarange has urged his supporters to remain prepared while simultaneously saying that they should not immediately converge on Mumbai in large numbers. His decision to initially travel with a small group is aimed at reducing the possibility of clashes and disruptions, according to his statements.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus will be on whether Jarange's legal challenge to the police order changes the situation and whether authorities impose additional conditions on his proposed movement.

The government will also face the challenge of balancing the right to peaceful protest with public safety and crowd-management requirements during Ganeshotsav.

Meanwhile, Jarange has made clear that the denial of permission will not end his campaign for Maratha reservation.

Conclusion

Manoj Jarange has intensified his criticism of the Maharashtra government after Mumbai Police denied permission for his proposed indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan from September 19.

While police cited security and law-and-order concerns during Ganeshotsav, Jarange accused the government of suppressing his democratic protest and alleged a conspiracy to kill him during his planned march. The allegations remain unverified.

With Jarange planning to travel towards Mumbai on September 15 despite the denial, the Maratha reservation issue is set to remain a major political and law-and-order challenge in Maharashtra.