Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on Friday commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, asserting that he will not leave until the government meets the community’s demands for reservation. The 43-year-old leader arrived in the city with a massive contingent of supporters, many clad in saffron scarves, caps, and carrying flags.

Addressing the crowd, Jarange declared, “I have come here as planned, and the fast has begun. If needed, I will not rise from here until our demands are implemented. Not even bullets will make me step back. Unless we have victory, and gulal falls on our heads in celebration, we will not move from Azad Maidan.” He urged his followers to maintain discipline and peaceful conduct during the protest, emphasizing, “No violence, no vandalism, no stone-pelting. Cooperate with the police. No one should drink, no one should create a nuisance. Do not do anything that will make our society bow its head in shame.”

Anticipating large crowds and monsoon rains, Jarange advised part of the gathering to move to Navi Mumbai’s Vashi area within two hours to avoid hardship, while others continued the agitation at Azad Maidan. He reaffirmed his unwavering stance, warning the government, “We will not leave until the implementation of our demands. The government did not cooperate earlier, which is why we had to come to Mumbai. Now that permission has been granted, we will also extend cooperation, but only if our rights are secured.”

Jarange has outlined five key demands of the Maratha Morcha: recognition of Marathas and Kunbis as one community, implementation of the Hyderabad and Satara/Bombay Gazetteers, inclusion of extended relatives where Kunbi lineage is established, withdrawal of all cases against Maratha protestors, and reservation within the framework of law.