Mumbai: The demand for Maratha Reservation has once again created a storm in Maharashtra’s political and social landscape. Leading activist Manoj Jarange has issued a strict ultimatum to the state government, warning that if the demands of the Maratha community are not fulfilled, nearly five crore people will march towards Mumbai in protest. His statement has intensified the already heated atmosphere around the ongoing reservation movement.
The Ultimatum from Manoj Jarange
On Monday, activist Manoj Jarange openly challenged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, declaring that the government must accept the Maratha community’s demand for reservation. If ignored, he warned, millions of Marathas would gather in Mumbai as a sign of their collective strength.
At the same time, Jarange appealed to his followers to ensure that the protest does not create unnecessary trouble for ordinary citizens in Mumbai. According to him, the struggle is for justice and equal rights, not to disturb public life.
Legal Proceedings in the Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court has taken note of the ongoing Maratha Reservation protests. The court directed Jarange and his supporters to vacate Mumbai’s streets and restore normalcy by Tuesday, September 2.
The judges observed that the protest, led by Jarange, was not fully peaceful and violated several conditions laid down for public gatherings. The court questioned the Maharashtra government on its preparedness to handle such situations and asked what concrete steps would be taken to maintain law and order in the state.
This judicial intervention has added more pressure on both the protestors and the government, signaling that the crisis needs an immediate solution.
Hunger Strike by Manoj Jarange
Manoj Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last four days. He announced that his fast will continue until the state government provides a concrete assurance on the Maratha Reservation demand.
Speaking to the media, Jarange said, “We are demanding that Marathas be included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. This demand is based on existing government records. If needed, we are even ready to sacrifice our lives and take bullets for this cause.”
His hunger strike has gained massive support across different parts of Maharashtra, making the movement stronger each passing day.
Government’s Response and Legal Review
The Maharashtra government, on Sunday, declared that it would seek legal opinion on implementing the Hyderabad Gazette, which recognizes Marathas under the Kunbi (OBC) category. However, Jarange rejected this assurance and made it clear that he would not end his hunger strike until the government officially issues an order granting reservation.
He is currently stationed at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai, where the protest has been ongoing since August 29. Jarange has vowed not to leave the venue until his demands are fulfilled, even if it means facing government action.
Timeline of the Protest
- August 29, 2025: Manoj Jarange begins his indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, Mumbai.
- August 30, 2025: Thousands of Maratha community members gather to support the protest.
- August 31, 2025: The Maharashtra government announces it will seek legal advice on giving Marathas Kunbi (OBC) status.
- September 1, 2025: Jarange rejects the government’s statement and threatens that five crore Marathas will march to Mumbai if demands are not met.
- September 2, 2025: Bombay High Court directs protestors to vacate roads and restore normalcy.
This timeline shows how quickly the movement has escalated, putting pressure on the government to act.
Why Maratha Reservation Matters
The Maratha community has been demanding reservation for decades, arguing that a large section of the population faces social and economic backwardness. Inclusion in the OBC category would grant them access to educational benefits, government jobs, and other welfare schemes.
The movement is not new. In the past, several governments have attempted to provide Maratha Reservation, but many such efforts were struck down by courts due to constitutional limitations. The current protest, therefore, is seen as part of a long struggle for equality and recognition.
Jarange’s Determination
Jarange’s statements reflect the strong emotions behind this movement. He has said that he is prepared to sacrifice his life for the cause and will not compromise on the demand. According to him, the government already has enough evidence to recognize Marathas as Kunbis under OBC, and delaying the process only increases frustration among the community.
By invoking the possibility of “five crore Marathas marching to Mumbai,” Jarange has signaled the potential scale of unrest if the issue is not resolved soon.
Government’s Dilemma
For the Maharashtra government, the Maratha Reservation issue is a delicate balance between legal hurdles and political pressure. On one hand, the demand has strong public backing, especially in rural areas. On the other hand, extending reservation without proper legal framework could trigger challenges in the Supreme Court and also invite backlash from other communities.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his cabinet are now under immense pressure to find a solution that satisfies the Maratha community while remaining legally sustainable.
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What Lies Ahead?
The next few days are crucial for the future of the Maratha Reservation movement. The court has set clear deadlines, the government is under watch, and protestors are not ready to back down. If the situation escalates, Mumbai could witness one of the largest demonstrations in recent history.
Observers believe that dialogue between the government and Maratha leaders is the only way forward. Any delay or mishandling could lead to unrest, disrupting normal life and causing political instability.
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Conclusion
The Maratha Reservation issue has reached a critical juncture. With activist Manoj Jarange on hunger strike and millions of Marathas ready to rally behind him, the Maharashtra government faces one of its toughest challenges. The coming days will determine whether this longstanding demand is addressed through negotiation and legal measures or whether the state will witness a historic confrontation between the people and the government.
What remains clear is that the call for Maratha Reservation is not just a political slogan—it represents the voice of a community seeking recognition, justice, and a better future.
