Jarange Patil Craze Sweeps Pune: Massive Turnout Delays Maratha Reservation Foot March by 10 Overwhelming Hours

Varad Bhatkhande

Pune/Pimpri Chinchwad, 24th January 2024: Manoj Jarange Patil’s Foot March advocating for the Maratha Reservation has garnered an overwhelming and devoted response. On January 23rd, he entered Pune District via Ranjangaon, making a resting halt at Wagholi.

Despite the biting cold, a substantial crowd gathered for a meeting held at 4:30 in the morning on January 24th. Following this, Jarange Patil’s route and timing were meticulously planned. However, the unforeseen response, not anticipated by Jarange Patil and certainly catching Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad police off guard, marked a significant turn of events.

The originally scheduled route encompassed Wagholi, Chokhi Dhani, Kharadi Jakat Naka, Ahmednagar Road via Kharadi Bypass, Chandan Nagar, Viman Nagar, Hyatt Hotel, Yerwada, Shastrinagar Chowk, Gunjan Chowk, Shivajinagar via Bund garden, Sancheti Chowk, Savitribai Phule Pune University Chowk, and Sangvi Phata via Aundh.

Subsequently, the route and timings were as follows until the conclusion of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) jurisdiction: Sangvi Phata – noon, Jagtap Dairy – 12:30 pm, Kalewadi Phata – 1:00 pm, 16 No. – 1:30 pm, Dange Chowk – 2:00 pm, Jakat Naka/Chinchwade Lawns – 2:30 pm, Chaphekar Chowk – 3:00 pm, Chinchwad Station – 3:30 pm, Akurdi – 4:00 pm, Nigdi – 4:30 pm, and Bhakti Shakti Shilp – 5:00 pm.

However, due to the massive turnout of thousands from the Maratha community, significant changes were made to the planned route and schedule. Particularly, the timing aspect saw alterations as Jarange Patil’s foot march reached Chandan Nagar around 12:30 pm, significantly behind schedule for PCMC by approximately 20 kilometres. The delay persisted as Jarange Patil and his supporters stayed in the Chandan Nagar area until around 2:30 pm. By 3:00 pm, they reached Viman Nagar, and at 4:30 pm, they arrived in Yerwada.

At Yerwada, some supporters formed a convoy of vehicles and reached Sancheti Chowk before Jarange Patil, but it proved insufficient in closing the time gap.

Following discussions between Jarange Patil, Pune Police, and Pimpri Chinchwad Police, a decision was made to alter the route. Instead of proceeding to Shivajinagar via Bund Garden, the march was redirected to reach Shivajinagar and Sancheti Chowk via Sangamwadi. This adjustment aimed to avoid disruption near hospitals and further alleviate traffic congestion.

At approximately 6:30 pm, Jarange Patil made his way to Sangamwadi, followed by his arrival at Sancheti Chowk in Shivaji Nagar by 7:00 pm. By 8:00 pm, he reached Savitribai Phule Pune University situated in Chaturshringi. After reaching Chaturshringi, the assembly proceeded to the vicinity of Aundh around 9:00 pm, where Jarange once again received overwhelming and enthusiastic support, marked by a substantial outpouring of encouragement.

After an enduring wait of 10 hours filled with both patience and enthusiasm, residents from the PCMC area joyfully welcomed Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange Patil. Originally slated to arrive at Sangvi Phata around noon, he eventually reached the location at approximately 10:00 pm. The anticipation culminated in a grand rally at Sangvi, where a large crowd gathered within the PCMC jurisdiction to warmly welcome Jarange Patil. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, he shared his thoughts. Following the address, he proceeded to Jagtap Dairy Chowk, reaching there at 10:30 pm.

His visits to Kalewadi Phata at 1 am and Dange Chowk, where thousands eagerly awaited him, were met with overwhelming support. Videos showcasing the crowd at Dange Chowk went viral even hours before Jarange Patil’s arrival. The procession continued to Chinchwad, which he crossed at 5 am, and then swiftly moved to Akurdi and Nigdi, culminating in the last stop in the PCMC jurisdiction at Bhakti Shakti Samuh Shilp at 6 am. Once again, a massive crowd gathered to felicitate Jarange Patil, demonstrating their strong support.

Around 6:30 am, navigating through the throng of supporters, Jarange Patil and his rally left the PCMC jurisdiction and arrived at Dehu Road. Jarange Patil addressed the crowd despite the late hour, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.

Jarange Patil said, “Once we commit to serving the community, we prioritize collective welfare over our comfort. Yesterday, a meeting took place in Wagholi at 5:45, and since then, I’ve been actively engaged. I sacrificed sleep, started my day with a quick shower, and joined the march. It’s been continuous dedication—no break from yesterday’s day and night to today’s. Despite the challenges, the community’s blessings empower us. For four and a half months, I haven’t been home due to this responsibility. The support received determines how fast we can progress towards Mumbai. People across the community eagerly anticipate our presence. I won’t disappoint or disrespect them. Our actions align with democratic principles and national values as we carry out this essential work.”

As of the latest update, Jarange Patil has reached Lonavala. Following the schedule, he is set to address a significant gathering in Lonavala city before proceeding to Mumbai. If everything goes as planned, he is expected to reach Mumbai within the next 24 hours. However, the tremendous support he is receiving may impact the timeline, making it challenging to adhere strictly to the schedule.