Jalna (Maharashtra), Sep 13 (IANS) Tensions over the Maratha reservation issue intensified in Maharashtra as activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the state government after Mumbai Police refused permission for his planned hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19.
Addressing the media from Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, Jarange Patil accused the ruling MahaYuti administration of violating constitutional rights and attempting to destabilise the state.
He was speaking after the Mumbai Police denied authorisation for the demonstration, citing potential violations of the Public Meetings, Demonstrations, and Processions Rules, 2025, alongside alleged past non-compliance with conditions during previous protests at the venue.
Reacting to the police order, Jarange Patil questioned the rationale behind pre-emptively assuming that the demonstrators would break the law, particularly following a recent High Court observation asserting that the activist cannot be restricted from entering Mumbai.
“Why do they (Maharashtra government) assume we will violate the rules before the protest even begins? Under what law is this government functioning?” he asked.
“The High Court said that we cannot be stopped, yet the police are acting against the spirit of the Judiciary. This is nothing short of dictatorship and high-handedness,” he claimed.
Addressing concerns regarding the upcoming festival season, Jarange Patil dismissed claims that the demonstration would disrupt public order, noting that previous agitations were conducted peacefully alongside Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
“We are bound by the Constitution and respect the Judiciary, but we will not bow down to arbitrary government directives. Our legal team will decide on the next steps regarding the Police Commissioner’s order,” he said, reiterating that his march from Antarwali Sarati would proceed as scheduled on September 15.
In protest against the decision and alleging political targeting by the state leadership, Jarange Patil announced an immediate halt to his medical treatment and fluid intake.
“If the administration wants to suppress our voice through injustice, I am prepared to face the consequences, but I will not surrender,” he added.
He declared that his legal team is expected to challenge the police department’s refusal order in the coming days as the September 19 deadline approaches.
–IANS
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