Mon Sep 01 03:20:53 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange is escalating his hunger strike, demanding reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category. He threatens to abstain from water and face any government action unless his demands are met. The Maharashtra government is considering legal opinions on granting Kunbi status to Marathas, but Jarange remains steadfast. Traffic and businesses in South Mumbai are disrupted by the ongoing protests at Azad Maidan. Political tensions are rising, with accusations and counter-accusations between ruling and opposition parties. Journalists have also reported misbehavior from protesters.

**News Article:**

**Maratha Quota Agitation Intensifies: Activist Vows to Forgo Water Amidst Political Scramble**

**Mumbai, September 1, 2025, 08:50 AM IST** – The Maratha reservation issue in Maharashtra has reached a critical juncture as activist Manoj Jarange escalates his hunger strike, entering its fourth day with a vow to cease water intake. Jarange is demanding that the Maharashtra government immediately issue a government resolution (GR) granting reservation to the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category based on existing records.

“I will not leave Mumbai until our demands are met, even if the government fires bullets,” Jarange declared, speaking to supporters at Azad Maidan, the epicenter of the ongoing protests. He claims the government possesses records of 5.8 million Marathas as Kunbis, a recognized OBC caste, and insists that Marathas be recognized as a sub-caste of Kunbis.

The Devendra Fadnavis-led government is under mounting pressure. While a cabinet sub-committee is seeking legal opinions on the feasibility of implementing the Hyderabad gazetteer regarding Kunbi status for Marathas, Jarange remains unconvinced. State minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil emphasized the need for careful consideration due to Supreme Court observations regarding the differentiation between Marathas and Kunbis.

The protests have caused significant disruption in South Mumbai. The Mumbai Traffic Police has warned of slow traffic and occasional disruptions, and traders are voicing concerns about the impact on businesses. The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association lamented that South Mumbai feels “hijacked” by the ongoing agitation.

The issue has also become a political flashpoint. Opposition leaders like Supriya Sule, whose car was briefly blocked by protesters, are calling for a special legislative session and an all-party meeting to address the crisis. The ruling BJP has criticized NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s stance on the quota ceiling, while NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal is convening a meeting of OBC leaders, demonstrating the complexities of balancing different caste interests.

Meanwhile, the TV Journalists Association has lodged a complaint with Jarange, citing instances of misbehavior by his supporters towards female reporters, threatening a media boycott if such incidents continue. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the government’s next move and whether it can find a solution that satisfies the protesters without igniting further unrest and violating existing laws.

Read More