Full Breakdown
Maratha Activist Claims Conspiracy Ahead of Planned Mumbai March
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Alleged Plot and Planned March
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil alleged on September 13, 2026 that a conspiracy existed to kill him and create trouble during his “peaceful” march from Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district to Mumbai. He said supporters of the ruling parties might be sent into the march to trigger violence and target him personally. Jarange announced that his supporters would depart on September 15, 2026 and that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19, 2026 to demand reservation for the Maratha community in jobs and education.
Background & Context
The agitation seeks inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. Jarange’s demands include issuance of Kunbi caste certificates based on 58 lakh historical records and application of the Satara, Kolhapur and Hyderabad gazette provisions to Marathas. A previous hunger strike launched on August 29, 2025 led to temporary unrest in Mumbai and was called off after the government accepted some demands.
Timeline
- September 11, 2026 – Bombay High Court refused an urgent order to stop the upcoming protest.
- September 12, 2026 – Jarange announced the march would start on September 15 and the hunger strike on September 19.
- September 13, 2026 – Public allegation of a conspiracy to kill him.
- September 15, 2026 – Planned departure from Antarwali Sarati.
- September 16–19, 2026 – Scheduled halts at Patoda (Beed), Shrigonda (Ahilyanagar), Hadapsar (Pune) and Khopoli (Raigad).
- September 19, 2026 – Intended start of the indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan (some reports cite September 20).
Data & Statistics
- Jarange claims 58 lakh Kunbi records have been identified and urges the government to issue certificates to eligible Marathas.
- The state reports that 3,16,977 Kunbi caste certificates have already been distributed.
- According to the Maharashtra government, 12 of the 15 demands raised by Jarange have been met, leaving the issuance of certificates based on all identified records unresolved.
Official Statements & Responses
- Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde: Visited the protest site twice but has not publicly addressed the alleged conspiracy.
- State government: Maintains that 12 of 15 demands are satisfied and that the remaining issues are “sub judice.”
Why It Matters
The march coincides with the Ganpati festivities (September 14–25), a period of large public gatherings in Mumbai. Authorities expect logistical and security challenges, as the protest could draw thousands of participants and strain police resources. Politically, the agitation pressures the ruling coalition—BJP, Shiv Sena and allies—to address the Maratha reservation issue ahead of upcoming elections.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Hunger-strike start date: Most sources state September 19, while the Hindustan Times cites September 20.
- March schedule: Some outlets list a five-day march ending on September 20, whereas others detail stops through September 19 with arrival at Azad Maidan on the 19th.
- No independent verification of the alleged conspiracy to kill Jarange has been provided; the claim remains an attributed allegation by the activist.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will have to respond when someone steps on the tail of a snake,” — Mr. Jarange, activist