Maratha Quota Leader Manoj Jarange Ends Protest As Shinde Govt Responds With Draft Ordinance

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has reportedly halted his ongoing protest, with an official announcement expected today. This development follows negotiations last night between the agitating group and the Maharashtra government led by Ekanth Shinde.

The state government, under Shinde's leadership, presented a draft ordinance, and it is believed that Jarange, along with his numerous supporters camped in Navi Mumbai, is content with its provisions.

The delegation that engaged with Jarange in Navi Mumbai last night included Sumant Bhange from the social justice department, Madhukar Arangal, the Aurangabad divisional commissioner, Amol Shinde, the chief minister's personal secretary, and others.

According to the latest reports, the Maratha quota activist is expected to make his stance public this morning.

Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha stated, "A movement for Maratha reservation in Maharashtra, led by Manoj Jarange Patil, has found a solution today... the ordinance passed addresses all the issues. Manoj Jarange Patil has announced that since a solution has been achieved, there is no need to continue the protests. CM Eknath Shinde will conclude Manoj Jarange Patil's fast with juice."

Earlier, the 40-year-old activist made a fresh demand, urging the government to amend its free education policy to encompass all Marathas until the entire community benefits from reservation.

If their demands were not met by night, Jarange and his supporters threatened to enter Mumbai on Saturday for their planned protest at Azad Maidan ground. Many supporters had already gathered in Mumbai during the day.

Jarange emphasized the need to amend the free education policy to provide free education for boys as well, ensuring that all Marathas receive free education "from KG to PG" (kindergarten to post-graduation) until the entire community gains reservation.

The government attempted to dissuade Jarange from proceeding towards Mumbai by sending delegations for talks. State education minister Deepak Kesarkar assured earlier that Jarange's demands had been accepted and would be fulfilled according to government procedure.

Stringent security measures have been implemented for Jarange's march to Mumbai, with a significant deployment of police personnel near the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi. Local police, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units are stationed at vital points to maintain law and order. The Maharashtra government's earlier law providing reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and educational admissions was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021.