Maratha quota activist demands permanent reservation, warns of protest march

Mumbai, August 28, 2025 – Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange declared that he would not settle for a temporary reservation arrangement and reiterated his demand for a permanent quota for the Maratha community. Addressing his supporters, Jarange warned that if the government failed to act decisively, he would lead a protest march to Mumbai, intensifying pressure on the state administration. His statement has reignited the political debate surrounding Maratha reservation and placed the issue firmly back in the spotlight.

Jarange criticized the government for offering what he termed “piecemeal solutions” and insisted that the Maratha community deserved a permanent and legally sustainable quota in education and employment. He argued that temporary assurances fail to address the longstanding social and economic backwardness faced by Marathas. Stressing his commitment to the cause, he said that only a durable solution enshrined in law would be acceptable.

The activist, who has previously staged multiple fasts and demonstrations across Maharashtra, enjoys significant grassroots support. His latest announcement comes amid rising impatience among Maratha youths, who have been demanding that the state act swiftly on implementing the reservation. Jarange’s plan to march to Mumbai is seen as a strategic move to bring the agitation closer to the state’s political capital.

Political observers believe that the renewed agitation could escalate tensions for the ruling coalition, which has been attempting to balance demands for Maratha quota with legal hurdles arising from previous court rulings. The Supreme Court had earlier struck down attempts to exceed the 50% cap on reservations, complicating the state’s options for introducing permanent quota benefits.

Leaders within the government have appealed for calm and reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue with Jarange. However, the activist maintained that discussions would only have meaning if the state committed to a lasting solution. His announcement of a march has raised concerns about traffic disruptions and large-scale mobilization in Mumbai, where security agencies are already preparing contingency plans.

Civil society groups and opposition parties have largely supported Jarange’s stance, arguing that the government’s delay reflects insensitivity to the community’s struggles. They said that repeated promises without tangible outcomes had eroded trust, leaving the Maratha community frustrated. The possibility of a massive march in Mumbai is expected to significantly increase political pressure on the ruling establishment.

As the standoff intensifies, Jarange’s ultimatum has forced the government to reconsider its strategy. Whether the administration can craft a legally viable framework that satisfies the demands of the Maratha community remains uncertain. For now, his call for a march signals a fresh phase in the agitation that could reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape in the coming weeks.

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