As Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange began indefinite fast at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, MNS leader Raj Thackeray said, "Ask Eknath Shinde why Marathas have come to Mumbai." In January 2024, thousands of Marathas led by Jarange had protested in Navi Mumbai. At the time, CM Shinde met Jarange and announced a government resolution promising Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas.