Maratha Quota Protest Intensifies in Mumbai: Traffic Chaos, Safety Concerns, and Political Standoff
Maratha quota protest led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil entered its third day in Mumbai, spreading across prominent city landmarks such as Marine Drive, the Gateway of India, Girgaon Chowpatty, and Azad Maidan. With no resolution in sight, the agitation has paralysed parts of South Mumbai, disrupted traffic, and sparked political debates.
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Protesters Flood Mumbai’s Iconic Spots
On Sunday, hundreds of Maratha community members were seen marching and gathering at Marine Drive, Gateway of India, and Girgaon beach. While the turnout was lower than Friday, when nearly 45,000 protesters poured into the city, the impact remained significant.
Jarange, who began his indefinite hunger strike on August 29, has vowed to intensify the agitation by refusing water unless the government accepts the demand for Maratha reservation under the OBC category.
Police repeatedly urged protesters not to venture into the sea after some youth attempted to climb onto the Marine Drive promenade. Others were seen capturing photos and chanting slogans such as “Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha.”
Traffic Chaos Across South Mumbai
The large-scale mobilisation has led to massive traffic jams around CSMT, Fort, Churchgate, and Mantralaya.
- Dr. DN Road from CSMT to Crawford Market remained completely blocked, with diversions routed via JJ Bridge.
- Mahapalika Marg was shut near Dhobi Talao Metro Junction, cutting off access to the BMC headquarters.
- P. D’Mello Road, routes to Flora Fountain, and roads near Bombay High Court also faced closures.
- By evening, even the Eastern Freeway was closed, pushing commuters to overcrowded alternate routes.
Office-goers reported severe delays. “It took nearly double the time to exit CSMT. Reaching Nariman Point felt like another ordeal,” said a commuter.
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Azad Maidan Becomes Epicentre
Azad Maidan has emerged as the focal point of the protest, with nearly 30,000 people camping overnight. Saffron-clad protesters cooked meals in vehicles, bathed in the open, and performed traditional dances with halgi drums. Police said most participants travelled from Marathwada districts in nearly 8,000 vehicles.
Jarange has rejected the government’s proposal to appoint retired judge Sandeep Shinde for negotiations, insisting only a formal resolution on OBC reservation would end the agitation. He maintains that records already identify 58 lakh Marathas as Kunbis, qualifying them for OBC status.
BMC’s Civic Response
To manage the crowd, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed:
- 800 sanitation workers for daily cleaning.
- 300+ mobile and permanent toilets, cleaned regularly and available free of cost.
- 25 water tankers stationed at Azad Maidan, CSMT, Mahapalika Marg, and other hotspots.
- Medical teams and ambulances on standby for emergencies.
The civic body also distributed garbage bags and appealed to protesters to help maintain hygiene.
Safety Concerns and Public Reactions
Security was tightened around CSMT with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel deployed. Distinct entry and exit points were created for protesters and commuters, while drones were used for aerial monitoring.
Meanwhile, actress Sumona Chakravarti shared on Instagram that her car was attacked by agitators while driving through Colaba-Fort. She described feeling unsafe in broad daylight, criticising the lack of visible police action. “Peaceful protests exist, but this felt like complete lawlessness,” she wrote before deleting her post.
Political Reactions
The standoff has triggered sharp political exchanges. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s cabinet is weighing legal measures, opposition leaders blame successive governments for failing to resolve the long-pending demand. Jarange has called the agitation the Maratha community’s “final fight” for reservation.
The Maratha quota protest has not only disrupted Mumbai’s daily life but also reignited political debate around reservation. With Jarange’s hunger strike intensifying and protesters refusing to vacate Azad Maidan, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the state government can find a breakthrough or whether Mumbai will continue to face civic and traffic paralysis.
