Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has intensified his protest, continuing an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai's Azad Maidan for a second day and warning the Maharashtra government against "testing the patience" of the community. Thousands of supporters joined, enduring overnight rain, mud, and a reported lack of basic amenities and food. Traffic around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) was also disrupted.

Jarange's central demand is for Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste within the OBC category, to secure 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and education. He explicitly stated that the community is not seeking to reduce the existing OBC quota, challenging claims of misinformation.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the government's commitment to resolving issues within a constitutional framework, but Jarange accused him of attempting to destabilise the state. A government delegation is set to hold talks with Jarange. This marks Jarange's eighth protest since 2023, with previous agitations called off based on government assurances.