Maratha Agitation Storms Mumbai: Manoj Jarange Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike at Azad Maidan

Mumbai(The Uttam Hindu): Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil staged a massive show of strength in Mumbai on Friday, leading thousands of supporters to the historic Azad Maidan, where he began an indefinite hunger strike.

Supporters from across Maharashtra poured into the city by trains, turning stations and roads into sea of protestors and causing severe traffic congestion in many parts of Mumbai.

Declaring his uncompromising stance, Jarange said, “I am ready to die or take a bullet, but I will not step back. My hunger strike has begun at 10 AM today.” He appealed to his followers to maintain peace and cooperate with the police in managing traffic, while urging the government to allow his fast to continue until all demands of the Maratha community are met.

The atmosphere at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) was electrified with saffron flags, traditional turbans, and bands of protestors chanting slogans and dancing to the beat of drums before marching towards Azad Maidan. Platforms had been overcrowded since Thursday night, with many protestors camping at the station overnight.

In view of the massive rally coinciding with Ganeshotsav celebrations, unprecedented security arrangements were put in place across the city. Heavy deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) was carried out, with 40 additional RPF and 60 MSF personnel stationed at CSMT alone. Central Railway deployed 240 extra RPF personnel across stations, while Government Railway Police (GRP) added 200 officers during the day and 230 at night at CSMT.