Mumbai: The Maratha reservation protest led by activist Manoj Jarange-Patil escalated on Monday as he announced he would cease drinking water, intensifying concerns over his health. Jarange, on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, is reportedly unable to walk without support, and doctors monitoring him have warned that his condition is critical. Medical teams revealed his blood sugar dropped to around 70, leaving him extremely weak.
The agitation has caused massive disruption across South Mumbai, affecting key administrative and transit points. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the city’s busiest railway station, was choked with demonstrators during peak hours, halting traffic and creating chaos for commuters.
At Mantralaya, the state secretariat in Nariman Point, authorities erected three-tier barricades and deployed reinforced police forces at all entrances, allowing only government employees to access the building. Roads including Madame Cama Road, Free Press Journal Marg, and General Jagannath Bhosle Road were sealed, adding to citywide congestion.
To mitigate commuter difficulties, BEST implemented extensive bus route diversions via Sant Sewalal Chowk, Rambhau Salaskar Marg, and M.G. Road, though heavy traffic snarls persisted across multiple junctions.
