On August 29, 2025, Mumbai’s historic Azad Maidan became the epicenter of a powerful movement once again. This time, it was the voice of Manoj Jarange Patil, a name now synonymous with the Maratha reservation struggle, that reverberated through the grounds. With thousands of Maratha community members gathered in support, Jarange’s fiery yet disciplined speech sent out a message loud and clear: the fight for reservation will not stop until justice is delivered.
When Jarange arrived at Azad Maidan, the atmosphere was already electric. Supporters thronged the grounds, chanting slogans like “Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha” as flags waved in the air. But amid the passion, Jarange’s words carried a mix of fire and caution. His blunt command—“खाली बस्स, नाहीतर निघ इकडून…” (“Sit down quietly, otherwise move away”)—was not just about discipline in the moment, but about the nature of the protest itself.
The Arrival: A Symbol of Strength
Jarange’s arrival was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Azad Maidan, known as a historic site of resistance in Mumbai, had transformed into a sea of supporters from different corners of Maharashtra. People traveled by buses, trucks, and even on foot to witness and participate in the rally. The unity and determination were palpable.
As he took the stage, Jarange wasted no time. His voice, firm yet composed, cut through the chants and the chaos. He called upon the people to remain calm, to maintain discipline, and to ensure that no act of violence or destruction tarnished the credibility of their cause.
A Speech Rooted in Resolve
Jarange’s address was not just about emotional appeals—it was about strategy. He reminded everyone that arson, stone-pelting, or clashes with police were unacceptable. The protest, he said, must remain peaceful but uncompromising. His tone carried both defiance and dignity.
He declared, “I am ready to die, but I will not retreat. They may fire bullets at me, but until our demand is met, I will not step back.”
With these words, Jarange drew a line of resolve. This was not merely about making demands—it was about showing readiness for sacrifice.
Launch of Hunger Strike
One of the most significant announcements Jarange made at Azad Maidan was that he was beginning an indefinite hunger strike. He vowed he would not leave Mumbai until the government granted Maratha reservation in a manner that could not be overturned.
He symbolically declared that the people should not leave the ground until “gulal (red powder) is thrown on my head.” In Maharashtrian culture, gulal is associated with celebration and victory. For Jarange, it represented the final triumph of the movement—he would not accept anything less.
The Ten Rallying Cries
Throughout his speech, Jarange delivered strong statements that instantly resonated with the crowd. Some of the most powerful included:
- “No violence, no destruction—but no retreat either. Death is better than surrender.”
- “We will not move until victory is ours; gulal will mark that moment.”
- “The government has helped us, but now we must stand united and not let our society be shamed.”
- “No liquor, no chaos—this is a disciplined protest.”
- “Even if bullets come, I will not back down.”
- “Stay alert against those who try to misuse our protest for political gain.”
- “Support the police, clear roads within two hours, and show that Marathas protest with dignity.”
These words became slogans, repeated by supporters across the ground. They encapsulated not only the demands but also the values of the movement—discipline, dignity, and determination.
A History of Hunger Strikes
This was not the first time Manoj Jarange had turned to the weapon of hunger strike. His struggle for Maratha reservation has been marked by repeated fasts unto death:
- 2023: Multiple hunger strikes at Antarwali-Sarati.
- 2024: Strikes in January, February, and July at Antarwali, and one in Navi Mumbai.
- 2025: A January strike at Antarwali.
Each time, Jarange’s persistence compelled the government to negotiate, but never fully resolved the demand. His return to Mumbai’s Azad Maidan in August 2025 signaled an escalation—a final push in the heart of the state’s capital.
The Atmosphere at Azad Maidan
What set this protest apart was the sheer scale of participation. Thousands of Marathas, from farmers to students, gathered at Azad Maidan. Families traveled together, many carrying food and supplies. Temporary kitchens were set up inside tempos and trucks. Despite heavy rains, people stood firm, their determination undeterred.
Jarange’s appeal for peace was largely respected. Protesters followed police guidelines on parking and movement, showing that this was not a lawless agitation but a community-driven, disciplined fight for justice.
Political and Public Reactions
While the people rallied behind Jarange, the protest also attracted sharp political attention. Leaders from different parties visited him, expressing solidarity. However, critics argued about the legality of such prolonged protests and whether they disrupted daily life in Mumbai.
Supporters, however, countered that the movement was about survival and justice, and no inconvenience could outweigh the demand for rightful reservation.
Why This Protest Matters
The Azad Maidan protest was not just another rally. It symbolized several key shifts:
- Renewed Momentum – The Maratha community, after years of uncertainty, found a fresh rallying point in Jarange’s leadership.
- Peaceful but Strong Resistance – Unlike other agitations that spiraled into violence, this one emphasized discipline, gaining moral weight.
- Political Pressure – Being staged in Mumbai, the state’s political nerve center, the protest heightened urgency for government response.
- Cultural Symbolism – The imagery of gulal, hunger strike, and disciplined unity added cultural depth to the movement.
- Consistency of Struggle – Jarange’s repeated fasts showed that this was no temporary demand but a long-term fight.
Beyond Azad Maidan: The Road Ahead
The protest at Azad Maidan is likely to be remembered as a turning point in the Maratha reservation movement. Whether or not it forces the government’s immediate hand, it has redefined the discourse.
Jarange’s insistence on non-violence, his readiness for sacrifice, and the collective strength of thousands of protesters sent a clear message: the Maratha community is united, determined, and unwilling to accept half-measures.
For the government, the protest poses a complex challenge—meeting the demand within the framework of law, while also respecting the urgency of the community’s needs.
Conclusion
The August 29, 2025 rally at Azad Maidan was more than a protest. It was a powerful display of unity, discipline, and unyielding resolve by the Maratha community, led by Manoj Jarange Patil. His speech—at once fiery, strategic, and symbolic—set the tone for a movement that refuses to be silenced.
As gulal remains absent from his head, Jarange’s words continue to echo: “I will not leave until justice is delivered.”
This protest is not just about reservation—it is about identity, dignity, and the enduring spirit of a community that will not back down.
