Commuters reported facing major delays due to checkpoints set up by the traffic police in anticipation of the agitation.
New Mumbai: The Maratha reservation agitation has reached Mumbai with unprecedented intensity as activist Manoj Jarange Patil continues his indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, drawing lakhs of supporters demanding quota for the Maratha community.
The protest caused massive traffic disruptions on Monday morning, especially at the Vashi Toll Plaza, where vehicles headed towards Mumbai from Pune and Navi Mumbai were stuck in long queues. Commuters reported facing major delays due to checkpoints set up by the traffic police in anticipation of the agitation.
One X user, stuck on the Vashi bridge, posted:
“I am stuck at Vashi bridge due to Mumbai Police roadblock Can’t understand the logic the public is facing all the inconvenience, while protesters are moving freely. Is anyone applying common sense here? Why are citizens being treated like cattle? #MumbaiTraffic
Another users wrote: 45 mins and still on the #Vashi bridge. #Navi Mumbai #traffic helpline says its nakabandi by #Mumbai police. Mumbai police says its Maratha Morcha. Dude can i pass the buck on taxes like this?
Responding to the concerns, Mumbai Police issued a statement saying:
“Due to the agitation, traffic movement towards South Mumbai may slow down or be obstructed at times. Citizens are advised to follow instructions at traffic checkpoints to minimize inconvenience.”
The demand for Maratha reservation has long been a burning issue in Maharashtra. Earlier, nearly 53 rallies were organized across the state under the banner of the Sakal Maratha Kranti Morcha. Now, Jarange Patil has taken the protest forward, insisting the government draft legislation to ensure reservation rights for the Marathas and their relatives.
For the past four days, thousands of men and women have been camping at Azad Maidan. Protesters marched from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to the ground, raising slogans with saffron scarves and caps, dancing to the beats of sana surai and halgi drums. At CSMT, the protest took on a cultural tone as demonstrators were seen playing traditional games like Kho-Kho and Vitti Dandu, drawing large crowds amid the sloganeering.
