Despite Mumbai Police denying permission for a hunger strike in city, Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange, accompanied by thousands, reached Navi Mumbai
Maratha activists, riding bikes, cars, jeeps, tempos, and trucks, converged at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) on the outskirts of Mumbai early morning.
The protesters, led by Jarange, intend to begin a hunger strike at Azad Maidan, seeking Kunbi (OBC) status for the Maratha community.
Mumbai Police, issuing a notice under section 149, expressed concerns about the potential adverse effects on the city's transport system if the Maratha protesters reach Mumbai.
They suggested the protesters gather at International Corporation Park Ground in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, to avoid disrupting the city's daily routine and warned of contempt of court charges if the protesters did not comply.
Jarange, undeterred by the police notice, insisted on marching towards Mumbai. He emphasised that the Maratha agitation would not disrupt Republic Day celebrations and announced a flag-hoisting ceremony at Azad Maidan.
Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai police officials met with Jarange and requested a change in the protest route. The police urged the organisers to use the old Pune-Mumbai highway to avoid any inconvenience.
Jarange, challenging the police notice, called upon Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for a personal discussion to resolve the Maratha quota issue.
A delegation led by senior government officials, including the divisional commissioner, met with Jarange in Lonavala to dissuade him from marching to Mumbai. They conveyed that another delegation would meet him with additional government decisions.
Jarange remained firm on the Mumbai march and assured that the Maratha agitation would not disrupt Republic Day celebrations. The organisers planned a flag-hoisting ceremony at Azad Maidan to mark the occasion.
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