Maratha Quota Activist Manoj Jarange Patil Urges Protesters To March Towards Mumbai, Calls For ‘Guerrilla Warfare’ Ahead Of Ganeshotsav

Mumbai: Maratha quota advocate Manoj Jarange Patil has reignited discussions regarding the ongoing reservation campaign, prompting apprehensions about potential mobilisation towards the city. Jarange has been persistently advocating for the Maharashtra government to promptly address the community's pending requests. Presently, he is engaged in a hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati in Maharashtra, demanding Maratha reservation and action on Kunbi certificates.

Throughout the protest, he has called upon Maratha community members across the state to gradually journey towards Mumbai. He has also recommended protesters employ a "guerrilla warfare" approach. Advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte met with Azad Maidan police, alleging that Jarange Patil had threatened Mumbai's stability. In his mobilisation plan, Jarange advised protesters to locate relatives and acquaintances in Mumbai and arrange lodging for the following six days.

His hunger strike has been ongoing for three days, while the agitation has garnered support from thousands. According to News18 Marathi, Jarange stated, "There are at least one to two lakh Maratha houses in Mumbai. Therefore, everyone should find a guest to stay with in Mumbai for the next six days. However, for now, no one should visit the Chief Minister's residence, Varsha bungalow and Azad Maidan.

Stay wherever you can find accommodation in Mumbai, but avoid these two significant locations for now." Regarding maintaining order during the protest, Jarange emphasized that the campaign should be disciplined and not disrupt the police's work. "We want to protest in a disciplined manner. In the coming days, at least five to fifty lakh Maratha youth should head towards Mumbai," he stated.

Jarange advised protesters to work with authorities and show up at police stations if approached. Mumbai anticipates a possible mobilisation following Jarange's latest call, particularly as Ganeshotsav approaches. Authorities might encounter difficulties in managing traffic and preserving law and order if large groups of protesters enter the city.

Last year, Jarange and his followers traveled to Mumbai and staged a protest during Ganeshotsav, which caused traffic congestion in certain parts of South Mumbai. The police imposed restrictions and closed some roads following the disruption. As Jarange maintains his demands and urges supporters to head towards Mumbai, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to the proposed mobilisation in the upcoming days.