Maratha Protest Intensifies in Mumbai: Azad Maidan March Stopped by Police

Mumbai witnessed heightened tension on Thursday as members of the Maratha community staged a massive protest at Azad Maidan demanding reservation benefits. The agitation, led by social activist Manoj Jarange Patil, took a dramatic turn when Mumbai Police blocked protesters on the Eastern Freeway, preventing them from marching toward the protest site.

For nearly four hours, a large number of Maratha protesters remained stuck on the freeway, refusing to disperse. Frustrated by the blockade, many took to the streets, raising slogans and expressing anger at being stopped. The police appealed to the protesters to return, but the crowd remained firm, insisting they had come to Mumbai to extend support to Jarange.

Speaking to media, several protesters said they were staging a peaceful demonstration in line with Jarange’s instructions and warned that any harm to them would not be tolerated. “We have been stuck here for four hours. We want to go to Azad Maidan in support of Jarange Patil, but we are not being allowed. We will not back down from our demand for reservation,” they said.

Addressing the gathering at Azad Maidan, Jarange declared that the movement would continue until their demands were accepted. “We will not leave Mumbai until justice is done. Even if bullets are fired or we are jailed, we will not step back. The government has permitted this protest, so we will cooperate with the police. But we urge our people not to resort to violence or obstruct public services,” he said, adding that Mumbai roads should be cleared of vehicles within two hours.

The core issue behind the agitation is the Maratha community’s demand for stronger reservation benefits. Although the government has already provided 10% quota for the community, protesters argue that it is inadequate and are pressing for inclusion in the OBC category, which they believe would provide greater opportunities in education and employment.