In an extraordinary display of resilience and community spirit, thousands of Maratha community members have turned Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan and its surrounding heritage zone into a bustling campsite as they demand reservation in government jobs and education. The ongoing agitation, led by activist Manoj Jarange, who launched an indefinite fast, has drawn an estimated 45,000 protesters to south Mumbai, with around 30,000 staying overnight, according to police reports.
The area around the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, known for its Victorian-era architecture, has become a vibrant hub of activity. On Saturday, August 30, 2025, protesters, many donning saffron scarves, filled the streets, bringing traffic to a standstill. The road outside Azad Maidan was closed, lined with approximately 8,000 vehicles that transported demonstrators from across Maharashtra, particularly from the eight districts of Marathwada.
The scene was a blend of determination and cultural expression. Young protesters danced to the rhythmic beats of the traditional ‘halgi’ drum, while others cooked meals like khichdi on the roadside or distributed food packets. Some took baths in the open, using water from BMC-supplied tankers or even a fountain near the BMC building. The protesters’ resolve was palpable as they chanted slogans, vowing not to leave until their demand for a Maratha quota is met.
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The agitation spilled beyond Azad Maidan, with some protesters marching to the nearby Jehangir Art Gallery, about a kilometer away, to raise slogans. Others explored local landmarks like the Gateway of India or visited nearby eateries, adding a festive air to the demonstration. However, tensions flared in Navi Mumbai, where a group from Beed reportedly heckled a young couple, prompting their swift departure.
The lack of amenities sparked frustration, with some protesters briefly blocking the road outside CSMT on Saturday morning to demand better arrangements for shelter, water, and toilets. Jarange intervened, urging them via microphone to clear the roads and maintain order.
The Maratha agitation has transformed Mumbai’s heritage zone into a dynamic protest camp, blending cultural expression with a firm demand for social justice. As the movement grows, it underscores the community’s determination to secure their rights, even as it challenges the city’s infrastructure and authorities to respond.
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