Manoj Jarange Patil Says Maratha Supporters Will March To Mumbai Despite Permission, Calls Crucial Antarwali Sarati Meet

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has declared that his supporters will march to Mumbai regardless of the state government's permission, leading up to a crucial meeting at Antarwali Sarati on Saturday to decide the next steps. A major gathering of Jarange and Maratha supporters is scheduled for noon on September 12 at Antarwali Sarati, with Jarange urging Marathas from all over Maharashtra to attend and participate in large numbers.

He remains committed to holding a hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, emphasizing that pressure from the public is necessary for the government to respond. "We will go to Mumbai whether the government gives us permission or not. Unless we put pressure on the government, it will not open its mouth," Jarange stated at Antarwali Sarati.

He appealed to supporters who can travel to attend the meeting in Antarwali Sarati, while those facing agricultural responsibilities, financial constraints, or other difficulties could stay in their villages but should help arrange transportation for those planning to go to Mumbai. "This is not the time to sit safely at home and watch news and meetings on television," Jarange stressed, encouraging supporters to actively participate in the movement.

If protesters face harassment by the government or police during their journey to Mumbai, Jarange warned that supporters should block roads and stage protests in their respective villages. He claimed the proposed march to Mumbai would be significantly larger this time. Jarange criticized the government's refusal to grant permission, asserting that citizens have a constitutional right to protest peacefully.

He asked the organizers to seek formal permission and comply with reasonable conditions imposed by the administration for maintaining security, questioning who would be responsible if the government denied permission and violated rules. Jarange also sought to reassure the public about the upcoming Ganesh festival in Mumbai, stating that Maratha protesters would not disrupt the celebrations, but warned the government against obstructing the agitation, referencing the history of public mobilization associated with the festival.

Ahead of Saturday’s meeting, Jarange instructed supporters to prevent traffic disruption, asking vehicles arriving for the meeting to be parked at the designated parking area in Vadigodri rather than being brought into Antarwali village. Supporters have been urged to follow police and volunteer instructions to avoid inconveniencing ordinary commuters.

The developments coincide with Jarange’s indefinite hunger strike, now in its 14th day, as the Maratha reservation movement prepares for a potentially intensified phase in Mumbai.