Jarange has been demanding that all the Marathas should be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, which will make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police on Friday allowed activist Jarange to continue his hunger strike for Maratha reservation at the Azad Maidan for another day, an officer said

The activist, who started the indefinite fast on Friday morning, was initially given permission to occupy the ground only for a day

As per the Bombay High Court directive, the permission ended at 6 pm, but the organisers had sought an extension, and the Azad Maidan police station allowed their application, the police officer said

As thousands of Jarange's supporters arrived in south Mumbai on Friday, the road traffic in the area was nearly crippled. Meanwhile, asserting that the government remains open to lawful and just suggestions, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde reiterated his administration's stance. "Justice for the Maratha community will be ensured, but not at the cost of injustice to any other community"