Mumbai Police seeks clarification from Manoj Jarange over “contradictory” statements on proposed protest

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange rests during indefinite hunger strike. File Image | Photo credit: PTI

Mumbai Police has issued a notice to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange to clarify “contradictions” in his statements about his proposed protest in the state capital, officials said on Wednesday (16 Sep 2026).

The move comes after the police repeatedly denied permission to Mr. Jarange to hold a demonstration at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai.

Officials said Mr. Jarange initially submitted a letter saying he would protest alone, accompanied by only 50 people. However, officials said a large crowd of supporters accompanied him as he left for Mumbai from Jalna district on Tuesday (September 16, 2026).

Also read | Maratha quota stir: Jarange Patil leaves for Mumbai as police refuse to give nod to protest

In a notice dated September 15, the police asked Mr. Jarange to provide detailed information about the planned demonstration, including a list of volunteers, the total number of people involved and details of the vehicles being used.

Police said Mr Jarange’s formal commitment and his public statements were inconsistent.

While informing the authorities that he would protest alone, the activist reportedly appealed to the Maratha community through the media to pack their bags and be ready to move to Mumbai on his call to defend the quota.

Mr. Jarange said on Wednesday (September 16) evening that he would stay at Potoda in Beed district for medical treatment and resume his journey to Mumbai to organize an agitation on Thursday (September 17) afternoon.

If anyone stopped him on the way, he said, members of the Maratha community should go to the capital of Maharashtra.

Mr. Jarange, whose hunger strike for reservation demands entered the 19th day, reached Patoda in the wee hours of Wednesday (September 16) and halted in the town after doctors advised him to undergo immediate treatment for severe dehydration and other health complications.

Published – 17 Sep 2026 06:33 IST