Maratha Morcha Agitation Grips Mumbai, Traffic Paralyzed Around CSMT

Mumbai: The Maratha quota agitation, spearheaded by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, entered its second consecutive day on Saturday, drawing thousands of protesters to Azad Maidan and spilling over into the busy streets near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The massive turnout caused severe traffic chaos, forcing authorities to deploy additional police units along with CISF and CRPF contingents to control the crowd.

Participants, many of whom had traveled long distances from villages across Maharashtra, faced harsh conditions. With limited access to toilets, drinking water, and shelter, protesters were compelled to bathe in open areas and rest on pavements near CSMT. Continuous rainfall worsened matters, turning Azad Maidan into a waterlogged ground and leaving hundreds to take refuge under building porches in the Fort area.

The congestion was further aggravated by vehicles parked on both sides of key roads, creating bottlenecks for commuters and delaying emergency services. Several demonstrators voiced anger, alleging that the Maratha community was being deliberately neglected.

Despite the lack of basic amenities and unfavorable weather, the agitation showed no signs of slowing down. Leaders and participants reiterated their determination to continue until their demand for reservation is addressed.