Maratha Quota Protest Disrupts Traffic in South Mumbai

Hundreds of members from the Maratha community gathered at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and surrounding areas in south Mumbai on October 23, 2023, to protest for a reservation quota. The demonstration led to significant traffic disruptions, affecting commuters throughout the region.

Protesters rallied energetically at CSMT, chanting slogans in support of their demand for a 10 percent reservation in government jobs and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The gathering coincided with an ongoing hunger strike led by activist Manoj Jarange at Azad Maidan, which has drawn considerable attention since it began on October 20.

The protest resulted in substantial overcrowding at CSMT, as demonstrators danced and shouted slogans like “Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha” and “Aarakshan Aamcha Hakka Che” (reservation is our right). This led to a standstill on roads heading towards Mahapalika Marg, J J Marg, and D N Road. Commuters, particularly those relying on train services, faced delays and difficulties due to crowded platforms.

In response to the protests, police presence in the Azad Maidan area was significantly increased. Despite this, some protesters attempted to breach the security perimeter around the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building, but were stopped by security officials. The protesters continued to voice their demands outside the BSE premises.

Many protesters also gathered in front of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) building, further amplifying their calls for reservation rights. Despite police efforts to manage the situation, some individuals blocked traffic, including public buses, in the vicinity of CSMT and near the Metro theatre. Authorities had to intervene to clear the roads.

The Mumbai Traffic Police alerted motorists about expected disruptions, advising caution and encouraging adherence to traffic directives. They noted that traffic in south Mumbai would experience slow movement and occasional interruptions due to the protest activities.

As the Maratha community continues to rally for their demands, the situation in Mumbai remains fluid, with authorities monitoring developments closely. The protests reflect broader social issues surrounding reservation policies and their implications for various communities across India.