Mumbai is experiencing its second day of significant traffic disruptions near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) due to ongoing Maratha reservation protests. The protests, led by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, are demanding the inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category to secure reservation benefits in government jobs and educational institutions.
Thousands of supporters have gathered in Mumbai to support Jarange-Patil, filling Azad Maidan and seeking refuge in nearby areas like CSMT and Churchgate railway stations. The large crowds have led to traffic snarls and prompted the Mumbai Traffic Police to advise motorists to avoid the CSMT area and the Eastern Freeway, recommending alternate routes. The Central Railway has also appealed to passengers to only travel to CSMT if necessary, given the congestion.
Jarange-Patil began an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Friday, vowing not to withdraw the agitation until the demands are met, including granting Kunbi status to Marathas. He has criticized the government for not initiating talks and has threatened to intensify the protest if the government continues to delay. He also added that he would stop drinking water in the next two days if there is continued delay from the government. The Mumbai Police have granted permission for the protests to continue, but Jarange-Patil has stated that the protests will continue regardless of official permission.
The protests have caused considerable disruption to daily life in Mumbai. Several organizations have had to cancel or reschedule events, and businesses allowed employees to leave early on Friday. The BMC headquarters shut most of its gates. Commuters have faced difficulties due to road closures and heavy traffic, with reports of congestion on major roads such as the Eastern Freeway and Sion-Panvel Highway.
Adding to the challenges, heavy rains have lashed the city, turning Azad Maidan into a muddy area and forcing many protesters to seek shelter on pavements near CSMT and under nearby buildings. Basic amenities such as toilets and drinking water are reportedly lacking at the protest site, with many protesters resorting to cooking and arranging their own meals on the roadside.
In response to the situation, a cabinet sub-committee led by Radhakrishnan Vikhe-Patil convened a meeting with Manoj Jarange Patil on Saturday to discuss the reservation issues. The government has stated its commitment to finding a legal and constitutional solution to the Maratha reservation issue and has cautioned against any attempts to take political advantage of the protests. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the Maharashtra cabinet committee is discussing the Maratha reservation issue and will file a constitutionally valid solution.
The opposition parties have accused the ruling government of ignoring the demands of the Maratha community and playing with their sentiments. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the government, saying that the Maratha community has been used and deceived in the past and that their demands should be fulfilled now.
As the Maratha reservation protest enters its second day, the situation in Mumbai remains tense, with traffic disruptions and challenges for both protesters and commuters. The focus is now on the outcome of the discussions between the government and Manoj Jarange-Patil and whether a resolution can be reached to address the demands of the Maratha community. Security forces, including the CRPF, have been deployed to prevent violence.
