Jarange Patil protest: Govt agreed to 12 of his 14 core demands, says CM Fadnavis

Mumbai: Tensions are mounting over Maratha reservation advocate Manoj Jarange Patil's planned hunger strike in Mumbai, with top Maharashtra state leaders urging restraint ahead of the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival.

As Jarange Patil departed from Antarwali Sarati towards Mumbai's Azad Maidan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday reiterated the government's stance, citing public law and order concerns during the peak festive season.

Addressing reporters, CM Fadnavis said that the government has already agreed to 12 out of his 14 core demands, while the remaining ones are sub judice. He has been briefed on this. During the festival, we expect decisions that avoid causing public inconvenience. He stated that the police hold primary responsibility for maintaining law and order, confirming that Jarange Patil’s initial application to hold an agitation in Mumbai was rejected.

"The police rejected the application; if a fresh request is submitted, they will evaluate it," CM Fadnavis said.

"Ganeshotsav is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Mumbai and Pune, and our expectation is that the festival encounters no disruptions. Protests are common, and Jarange Patil has demonstrated before," he noted.

DCM Shinde echoed concerns regarding festive disruptions while advising against politicising the reservation issue. "It is the government’s firm duty to ensure zero disruption for devotees during Ganeshotsav," he remarked. "Historically, 58 Maratha rallies were organised peacefully without troubling the public. Everyone must ensure similar decorum now."

Shinde added that while democratic criticism is acceptable, it should remain focused on community welfare. "The government has consistently maintained a positive, open-minded approach toward Maratha reservation rather than being stubborn. We expect the same constructive approach from the other side without political motives."

Refusing to back down, Jarange Patil began his journey toward Mumbai after offering prayers at a local temple in Antarwali Sarati.

Addressing supporters, he accused the political leadership of misleading the Maratha community and urged protesters to maintain unity and peace while asserting he would not surrender to the government.

Support staff and protesters emphasised that the lack of official clearance would not halt their progress. "Even without permission, we will head to Mumbai," stated supporters, proposing that while Jarange Patil conducts his fast, followers will visit local Ganpati pandals.

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