The Maratha quota protest in Mumbai, led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, took a controversial turn on August 31 after women journalists covering the agitation alleged harassment and obstruction by some supporters.
The TV Journalists Association wrote to Patil, stating that reporters had faced “misconduct and misbehaviour,” including attempts to prevent women journalists from doing their work. The association stressed that if such incidents persisted, the media would be forced to boycott coverage of the movement.
Reacting strongly, BJP MLC and women’s wing president Chitra Wagh condemned the incidents, questioning the moral standing of those involved.
“What is this talk that village boys are used to such behaviour? Please do not invoke the names of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mata Jijau, who are revered across the nation. Such conduct is unacceptable. Jai Jijau, Jai Shivarai, Jai Maharashtra,” Wagh said.
Her statement highlighted the historical legacy of respect for women under Shivaji Maharaj’s rule, contrasting it with the reported misbehaviour at the protest.
The Mumbai Press Club also condemned the harassment of journalists, calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of media representatives. The club emphasised that such incidents not only undermine press freedom but also dent the credibility of the protest movement.
Addressing the controversy, Manoj Jarange Patil urged his supporters to treat all visitors, including journalists and political leaders, with dignity. He referred to a recent incident where NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule was mobbed by slogan-shouting protesters during her visit to Azad Maidan.
Jarange acknowledged that such behaviour damages the image of the protest and urged discipline among the crowd.
Meanwhile, the Maratha quota agitation entered its third day in Mumbai, with Jarange continuing his indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan. He reiterated his demand for 10% reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category, citing caste links with the agrarian Kunbi community.
“The government has records of 58 lakh Marathas as Kunbis. We will not leave until the reservation demand is met,” Jarange asserted.
The Maharashtra government has argued that Marathas can avail of the EWS quota, but Jarange insists on OBC inclusion.
The Mumbai Police granted Jarange permission to extend his sit-in protest by one more day. However, the activist has intensified his stance, announcing that he will stop consuming water until the government accepts his demand.
A delegation led by retired High Court judge Sandeep Shinde had met him earlier, but the dialogue failed to break the deadlock.
The call for a media boycott adds another layer of tension, with journalists emphasising that their safety and dignity are non-negotiable.
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