Daijiworld Media Network - Jalna

Jalna (Maharashtra), Sep 13: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Maharashtra government after Mumbai Police refused permission for his proposed hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 19.

Addressing the media from Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district, Jarange Patil accused the ruling MahaYuti government of violating constitutional rights and attempting to destabilise the state.

The remarks came after Mumbai Police denied authorisation for the proposed demonstration, citing possible violations of the Public Meetings, Demonstrations, and Processions Rules, 2025, as well as alleged past non-compliance with conditions during earlier protests at the venue.

Reacting to the police order, Jarange Patil questioned the basis for assuming in advance that protesters would violate the law, particularly after a recent High Court observation that he could not be prevented 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 that the proposed agitation could affect the upcoming festival season, Jarange Patil said previous protests had been conducted peacefully even during 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.

He reiterated that his planned march from Antarwali Sarati would proceed as scheduled on September 15.

Jarange halts medical treatment

Protesting the police 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 said.

Jarange Patil said his legal team is expected to challenge the police department’s refusal order in the coming days as the September 19 deadline for the proposed hunger strike approaches.