Mumbai – Commuters heading towards south Mumbai have been advised to brace for delays on Monday as thousands of Maratha protesters, led by activist Manoj Jarange, continue their agitation at Azad Maidan.
The Mumbai Traffic Police, in a social media post, warned of “slow traffic and occasional disruptions” in and around the protest site and urged motorists to follow on-ground instructions to minimize congestion.
Jarange Vows to Escalate Hunger Strike
Manoj Jarange, who began an indefinite hunger strike on Friday, has announced he will stop consuming water from the fourth day of his protest. He has demanded that the state government recognize Marathas as Kunbis—an OBC category—and issue a government resolution (GR) granting reservation benefits.
“The government has records of 58 lakh Marathas listed as Kunbis. We will not move until our demands are accepted,” Jarange told supporters, adding that the agitation would continue even if it meant facing extreme consequences.
Government Seeks Legal Opinion
On Sunday, a cabinet sub-committee led by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil met to review the demand. Legal experts, including Advocate General Biren Saraf and retired High Court judge Sandeep Shinde, were asked to study whether the Hyderabad and Satara gazetteers could be applied to recognize Marathas as Kunbis.
Vikhe Patil said the state would consult Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis before proceeding, while acknowledging that Supreme Court observations have previously held that Marathas and Kunbis are not the same.
Impact on Businesses and Politics
The agitation has sparked concern among traders, with the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association warning that prolonged unrest could damage business in south Mumbai. “The massive gathering has disrupted sales and left Mumbai feeling hijacked,” said association president Viren Shah.
The protest has also taken a political turn, with NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule’s vehicle blocked by demonstrators after she visited Jarange. Sule has urged the government to call a special session of the assembly to address the issue.
Meanwhile, OBC leader and NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal has convened a meeting opposing any dilution of the OBC quota.
Concerns Over Media Safety
The TV Journalists Association lodged a complaint after reports of protesters misbehaving with women reporters at Azad Maidan. The group warned it would consider boycotting coverage if such incidents continue.
As the standoff continues, the state government faces growing pressure to find a solution that balances legal, social, and political sensitivities surrounding the Maratha quota demand.
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