Jarange to enter Mumbai with handful of aides after police deny protest permit

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced he will enter Mumbai accompanied by only four to five close aides for his ongoing reservation agitation. Mumbai Police have again refused to grant permission for a large-scale protest march in the city. Maharashtra Chief Minister has personally appealed to Jarange to reconsider his decision to proceed with the demonstration. The standoff comes amid the continuing demand for Maratha community reservation in government jobs and education. Authorities appear concerned about potential law-and-order challenges that a large gathering in Mumbai could trigger.