The supporters of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange gathered in Chembur area of Mumbai before heading towards Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. Pics/Anurag Ahire
Manoj Jarange on Friday asserted that he won't abandon his agitation midway till the community is granted reservation in government jobs and education, while Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar said the activist's demands have been accepted
Jarange and other Maratha activists reached the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) on outskirts of Mumbai around 5 am by bikes, cars, jeeps, tempos and trucks
As per his plan, Jarange, along with his supporters, will begin his hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Friday. The protesters are demanding Kunbi (OBC) status to the Maratha community
Despite the Mumbai Police issuing a notice to him denying him permission to hold a hunger strike in the city, Jarange announced on Thursday that he will reach Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on January 26
In a notice issued under section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code that enables the police to prevent cognisable offences, the police said, "Mumbai is the financial capital of the country and various financial institutions, international advocacy and other financial centers are working in Mumbai"
Jarange said the Maratha agitation will never disrupt any celebration planned on Republic Day and would instead celebrate the day. The organisers in Mumbai announced that a flag-hoisting ceremony to mark Republic Day will be held at Azad Maidan
While Jarange remained firm on marching towards Mumbai despite the police notice, he said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar should personally come forward for a discussion to solve the issue
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