As the Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s indefinite hunger strike is on its fourth consecutive day on Monday, Mumbai witnessed heavy traffic congestion and diversions. some bus services were suspended outside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station, while others remained severely disrupted. Supporters of Patil gathered in large numbers outside Mumbai’s CSMT station early today. The protest follows the Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee’s request for more time to review the issue yesterday. After several meetings on Sunday failed to make any progress, Patil announced that he would intensify the agitation and begin a water fast starting today.
Mumbai traffic police has issued an advisory asking commuters to follow directions while heading to South Mumbai on Monday. “Expect slow traffic and occasional disruption tomorrow morning while commuting towards south Mumbai due to ongoing agitation. Keep following directions given at traffic junctions to minimise inconvenience,” the traffic police stated over a post on X. The Central Railway Spokesperson has also requested all office goers and commuters to plan their commute “keeping in mind a buffer time,” owing to slight delays. “We also request the ones who can stay at home and work to do so, to minimise disruptions,” the Spokesperson said.
The Central Railway also has requested all office goers and commuters to plan their commute “keeping in mind a buffer time,” “We also request the ones who can stay at home and work to do so, to minimise disruptions,” the Spokesperson said.
Maratha Quota Protest And Manoj Jarange Patil
The Maratha community is demanding a reservation (quota) in government jobs and educational institutions. The community has been seeking special provisions under the state’s affirmative action policies to improve the opportunities for education and employment. Currently, Manoj Jarange Patil insists that the state government should issue a Government Resolution stating all Marathas in the Marathwada region are Kunbis. He has demanded that all Marathas listed in the Hyderabad and Satara gazettes be issued Kunbi certificates so that they can avail the OBC quota. He further wants the same Kunbi status to be extended to Marathas listed in the Aundh and Bombay gazettes.
