Jalna, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Sunday sharply criticised the Maharashtra government after Mumbai Police denied permission for his proposed hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19.
Addressing the media at Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, Jarange Patil accused the MahaYuti government of violating constitutional rights and attempting to suppress the Maratha reservation movement.
The Mumbai Police rejected permission for the proposed demonstration, citing provisions of the Public Meetings, Demonstrations and Processions Rules, 2025, as well as alleged past non-compliance with conditions during earlier protests at the venue.
Questioning the decision, Jarange Patil said the administration could not assume in advance that protesters would violate the law. He also referred to a recent High Court observation that, according to him, indicated he could not be prevented from entering Mumbai.
“Why do they assume we will violate the rules before the protest even begins? Under what law is this government functioning?” he asked.
He alleged that the police action was contrary to the spirit of the judiciary and described it as “dictatorship and high-handedness”.
Rejecting concerns that the protest could disrupt the upcoming festival season, Jarange Patil said his earlier agitations had remained peaceful even during Ganesh Chaturthi.
He said his legal team would decide the next course of action against the police order, while reiterating that his march from Antarwali Sarati would begin on September 15 as planned.
Following the denial of permission, Jarange Patil also announced that he was immediately stopping his medical treatment and fluid intake, alleging political targeting by the state leadership.
“I am prepared to face the consequences, but I will not surrender,” he said.
His legal team is expected to challenge the police decision as the September 19 protest deadline approaches.
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