Mumbai Braces for Maratha Quota Showdown as Jarange-Patil Arrives, Highways Shut Down

Mumbai is on high alert as Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has officially arrived in the city, poised to lead a massive protest demanding quota benefits for the Maratha community. His journey, which began from Jalna with a vast convoy, has culminated in Mumbai, bringing the metropolis to a standstill with significant traffic disruptions and heightened security measures.

Jarange-Patil's procession, described as a 'Dindi' (pilgrimage), drew immense support from across Maharashtra as it progressed towards the capital. The core demand remains steadfast: the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to all Marathas, thereby enabling them to access reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. This movement has gained considerable momentum following previous hunger strikes and a 40-day ultimatum issued by Jarange-Patil.

In anticipation of the large-scale demonstration, Mumbai Police have implemented an extensive security plan, deploying approximately 20,000 personnel. Drones are being utilized for surveillance, and multiple barricades have been erected across the city to manage the crowds and maintain law and order. Key arterial roads have been significantly impacted, with the Eastern Freeway and a portion of the Sion-Panvel Highway being closed to regular traffic, causing major inconvenience for daily commuters.

Commuters navigating the city are advised to use alternative routes as major roads like the Eastern Freeway, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Sea Link, and the Sion-Panvel Highway have been either closed or are experiencing severe diversions. Traffic entering Mumbai from the Navi Mumbai side is being rerouted via the Kalamboli, Taloja, and Shilphata routes. While regular vehicular movement is restricted, essential services such as ambulances, fire brigades, school buses, and government vehicles are permitted to operate.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has repeatedly appealed for peace and offered to engage in discussions with Jarange-Patil. However, Jarange-Patil has steadfastly refused to meet the Chief Minister, insisting instead that a government representative should meet him at the protest site. Previous attempts at negotiation, including discussions with ministers like Bhagwat Karad and Sandipan Bhumre, have failed to quell the protest, with Jarange-Patil rejecting the government's proposed ordinance on 'sage-soyare' (blood relatives) and demanding a comprehensive solution.

As the city holds its breath, the focus remains on the looming protest and the government's response to the long-standing demand for Maratha reservation, a issue that continues to significantly shape Maharashtra's social and political landscape.