Activist Manoj Jarange announced, “We have won,” invoking cheers as Maharashtra ministers visited Azad Maidan and accepted his demands. The Bombay High Court allowed Jarange to continue protesting at Azad Maidan until September 3.
Activist Manoj Jajrage Patil announced to all Marathas and protestors that, “We have won.”
The atmosphere at Azad Maidan erupted in joy and cheers as Maharashtra ministers arrived, signalling a breakthrough in the ongoing protests. The presence conveyed the government’s commitment to addressing the protestors’ concerns and concluded with acceptance of key demands.
The Government agreed to issue a Government Resolution (GR) recognising Marathas as Kunbi under OBC, withdraw criminal cases against protesters, and provide compensation to families affected during the protest.
The Bombay High Court allowed Jarange to continue protesting at Azad Maidan until September 3, while warning him of strict consequences for violation of its orders, contending charges. The court made it clear to Jarange that a protest must uphold the majesty of law. It raised concerns over poor conditions from both protesters and the state.
The BMC officials revealed that a lack of advanced communication and poor coordination caused major disruptions. Authorities claimed that they expected around 15,000 protesters, but nearly 35,000 showed up, with no prior planning, resulting in chaos. No high-level meetings were held to prepare such a large audience.
While Mumbai Police issued a notice to Jarange to vacate Azad Maidan, citing violations of the Court and administrative conditions for the protest. Yet Jarange remained unaffected, stating he would not leave.
JSP chief and MLA Vinay Kore backed Jarange’s protest, stressing the need for balanced solutions that uplift poor Maratha families without affecting other communities. Meanwhile, His Highness Raje Mudhoji Bhonsle, a notable descendant of Maratha royalty, clarified that he supports the quota demand and criticised media misrepresentation of his views.
The Cabinet subcommittee agreed to key demands and promised the official GR within the hour. Jarange pledged to end his fast once that was released. Jarange has given the government a two-month window to issue a formal GR recognising the Marathas as Kunbis, stating he would leave Mumbai by 9 pm once demands are met.
