Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil Heads to Mumbai

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil left Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district for Mumbai on Tuesday, as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day.

His departure comes amid uncertainty over permission to stage his proposed hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

Before leaving, Jarange paid obeisance to a bust of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was supported by his aides as hundreds of supporters gathered to see him off.

He looked visibly weak after 17 days of fasting.

A massive convoy accompanied Jarange, including a life-size statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj mounted on a tractor, luxury SUVs, police vehicles, and ambulances.

A large crowd of supporters gathered at the protest site as Jarange began his journey towards Mumbai.

Jarange accused politicians, particularly the government, of 'cheating' the Maratha community and appealed to his supporters to remain united and maintain peace.

He reiterated that he would not surrender before the government and said his fight was for the welfare and future of children from the Maratha community.

The activist had earlier announced that he would travel to Mumbai with only a handful of supporters and begin his agitation at Azad Maidan on September 19.

However, Mumbai Police have twice rejected applications seeking permission for the proposed protest, citing legal, security, and law-and-order concerns.

Following the second rejection, Jarange's representatives submitted a third application seeking permission for 50 people to stage the protest.

The latest application stated that the protesters would follow all rules and conditions and conduct the agitation within the allotted time.

The Maratha community has been demanding reservation in education and employment, and Jarange's hunger strike is a part of the ongoing agitation.

The community has been protesting for several years, and the issue has been a major point of contention in Maharashtra politics.

The Maharashtra government has been facing pressure to grant reservation to the Maratha community, and the issue has been a major challenge for the government.

The community's demands have been supported by several political parties, including the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party.

As Jarange heads to Mumbai, the city is bracing for potential protests and demonstrations.

The police have been put on high alert, and security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order.

The outcome of Jarange's hunger strike and the Maratha community's demands remains uncertain, but one thing is clear - the issue of reservation is a major challenge for the government and the community.

The situation will be closely watched in the coming days, and any developments will have significant implications for the state and the community.

In the end, the significance of Jarange's hunger strike and the Maratha community's demands cannot be overstated.

The issue of reservation is a complex and contentious one, and it will require a nuanced and thoughtful approach to resolve.

As the situation unfolds, it is essential to prioritize the welfare and future of the Maratha community and to work towards a solution that addresses their concerns and demands.