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Key Points

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil's protest caused significant crowding at Mumbai's CSMT station on Friday. The situation worsened due to heavy rains that drove commuters indoors seeking shelter. Railway authorities alerted relevant agencies and deployed extensive security personnel to manage the crowd. Train services on Central Railway's Harbour Line experienced 8-10 minute delays throughout the protest period.

Key Points: Maratha Quota Protest at Mumbai CSMT Causes Train Delays

  • Heavy rains increased station rush as commuters sought shelter inside
  • Central Railway services delayed 8-10 minutes on Harbour Line
  • Over 240 MSF staff deployed alongside RPF and GRP personnel
  • Police deployed in strength near CSMT to maintain law and order
2 min read

Maratha quota protest causes rush at Mumbai's CSMT; authorities alerted to manage situation, train services slightly delayed

Manoj Jarange Patil's Maratha reservation protest causes rush at Mumbai CSMT station, leading to 8-10 minute train delays amid heavy rains and police deployment.

"There was a crowd at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, which increased after the rain outside. - Dr Swapnil Nila, Central Railway CPRO"

Mumbai, August 29

As supporters of activist Manoj Jarange Patil gathered at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Friday as part of their ongoing agitation demanding Maratha reservation, railway officials said that relevant authorities had been alerted to manage the situation. Train services in Mumbai witnessed slight delays.

According to the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway, Dr Swapnil Nila, the rush at the station swelled further due to heavy rains outside, as many commuters took shelter within the premises.

"There was a crowd at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, which increased after the rain outside. We have requested the relevant authorities to ensure that passengers arriving by local trains do not encounter any issues. Additionally, our RPF, GRP, commercial department employees, and more than 240 MSF staff are deployed at all locations... Currently, Central Railway services are running 8 to 10 minutes late on the Harbour Line," Nila stated while speaking to ANI.

Manoj Jarange Patil, who led the Maratha reservation movement last year, is holding a protest at Azad Maidan from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm today, as per the permission granted by the Mumbai Police.

Police forces have been deployed in strength near the CSMT and surrounding localities to maintain law and order in anticipation of a significant crowd.

Jarange Patil, known for his advocacy on Marathi reservation issues, has urged supporters to rally peacefully and called on authorities to address community concerns regarding reservation policies.

Manoj Jarange Patil held multiple protest rallies and hunger strikes demanding reservation for the Maratha community ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections in 2024.

He had begun his hunger strikes in the Marathwada region, and the movement was later extended to cities including Pune and Mumbai. He had demanded Kunbi caste certificates for all Marathas, free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level, and reservation of seats for Marathas in government job recruitments.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Mumbaikar, I appreciate that the authorities were prepared this time. The RPF and MSF deployment shows they learned from previous protests. Still reached office 15 mins late though 😅
A
Arjun K
The Maratha community has genuine concerns that need addressing. Jarange Patil has been peaceful in his approach compared to some other protests we've seen. Hope the government finds a permanent solution soon.
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Sarah B
The combination of protests and heavy rain made CSMT chaotic today. Kudos to the railway staff for managing the situation well. Only 8-10 minute delay is actually quite impressive given the circumstances!
M
Meera T
While I support the right to protest, choosing CSMT during peak hours affects thousands of working people. Maybe they could organize at Azad Maidan without disrupting the station? Just a thought 🤔
V
Vikram M
This reservation issue has been going on for too long. The government needs to take concrete steps rather than temporary solutions. The protests will continue until there's proper resolution.

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