The Maratha reservation agitation in Mumbai escalated further on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, as activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s indefinite hunger strike entered its fifth consecutive day at Azad Maidan. Despite repeated appeals from authorities, thousands of supporters have continued to join the protest, bringing parts of Mumbai to a near standstill.

At the centre of this agitation is the long-standing demand for inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, which would grant them reservation benefits in education and government jobs. This issue has been the subject of multiple agitations across Maharashtra, but the present protest has gained intensity with Jarange’s indefinite fast in the heart of Mumbai.

Jarange’s Stand and Supporters’ Presence

Speaking to his followers, Jarange reiterated that the protesters have not violated any law. He defended the gathering at Azad Maidan, stating that the movement is peaceful and lawful. “Nobody can stop Marathas from entering Mumbai,” he asserted, dismissing allegations of disruption.

Supporters have poured into Mumbai from across the state, arriving in trucks, buses, and other vehicles. While some followed police instructions and moved their vehicles to designated parking areas, a large number remained stationed near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and adjoining roads, worsening the traffic situation in the city.

Police Notice and Legal Directives

The Mumbai Police served a notice to Jarange and his team, demanding that they vacate Azad Maidan immediately. The notice highlighted that while permission had been granted for a gathering of 5,000 protesters, the turnout had exceeded 40,000 people, leading to safety concerns and disruption of public life.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court stepped in, noting that Mumbai had been “literally paralysed” by the agitation. On Monday, the court gave an ultimatum until Tuesday noon for protesters to clear the streets and restore normalcy. The judges emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, it cannot come at the cost of inconveniencing millions of citizens in a metropolis like Mumbai.

The Larger Context of the Maratha Quota Demand

The Maratha reservation issue has been an emotional and political flashpoint in Maharashtra for decades. While earlier state governments attempted to provide reservation to the community, several court verdicts, including that of the Supreme Court, struck down such provisions citing the 50% cap on reservations.

Jarange’s movement has revived the debate by insisting on OBC categorisation for Marathas, which, according to him, is a historically justifiable demand. He has maintained that until this demand is accepted, his indefinite fast will continue.

Current Situation in Mumbai

As of Tuesday morning, Azad Maidan remains the epicentre of the protest, with thousands chanting slogans, holding banners, and pledging support to Jarange. Several political leaders are closely monitoring the developments, with some extending support and others urging the protesters to comply with court orders.

The city, however, faces severe challenges due to the ongoing agitation. Traffic congestion, disrupted public transport, and heavy police deployment have turned routine life chaotic for many citizens. Businesses in certain pockets reported lower activity, and schools in nearby areas advised parents to exercise caution.

Possible Outcomes

The state government is under pressure to open dialogue with Jarange, balancing legal directives, public inconvenience, and the protesters’ demands. If the protesters defy the High Court’s deadline, stronger action from authorities could follow, potentially escalating tensions further.

Jarange, however, remains resolute, emphasising that his fight is for the community’s rights and that he will not back down until the government makes a firm commitment.

Conclusion

The Maratha reservation agitation in Mumbai has now reached a critical stage, with legal orders, police notices, and public inconvenience creating a volatile environment. While Jarange insists on peaceful and lawful protest, the sheer scale of the mobilisation has drawn the intervention of the courts and law enforcement.

How the state government responds in the coming hours and days will determine whether this movement takes a more confrontational turn or shifts towards negotiation. For now, the Maratha community’s voice remains strong in Mumbai, with Azad Maidan symbolising their struggle for recognition, inclusion, and justice.

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