Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil on September 15 left Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district for Mumbai, despite the Mumbai Police yet to grant permission for his proposed hunger strike at Azad Maidan. Jarange, who is on the 18th day of his indefinite fast, departed with a group of supporters after offering prayers at a Hanuman temple.

Women supporters performed aarti and conducted his aukshan before his departure. A convoy of vehicles carrying supporters accompanied him as he began his journey towards Mumbai.

Speaking before leaving, Jarange accused the government and political leaders of “cheating” the Maratha community and appealed to his supporters to maintain unity and peace. “I will not surrender before the government,” he said, asserting that his fight was for the future of Maratha children.

As part of a revised strategy, Jarange had announced that he would reach Mumbai with a limited number of supporters and begin his agitation at Azad Maidan on September 19. The Mumbai Police has rejected two earlier applications seeking permission for the protest. A third application, requesting permission for 50 people to participate, is under consideration.

Sources said the possibility of approval remained uncertain due to ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations and security concerns. Jarange has indicated that he may approach the Bombay High Court if permission is denied.

The state government has deployed one officer and one constable from the Special Protection Unit for his security. Jarange’s supporters said they would proceed to Mumbai regardless of the decision, while expressing concern over his health after he stopped medical treatment and saline support.