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Court's Warning Sparks Action from BMC

Following a stern warning from the Bombay High Court to activist Manoj Jarange regarding the Maratha reservation movement, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken action. The protests had brought Mumbai to a standstill, prompting authorities to order demonstrators to vacate the streets by Tuesday afternoon. The police have also issued notices to Jarange and his core committee to leave the protest site at Azad Maidan, citing violations of the conditions set for the demonstration.

Protest Continues on Fifth Day

Jarange's indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan has reached its fifth day. The police noted that while permission was granted for 5,000 protesters to gather, over 40,000 individuals from various parts of Maharashtra have arrived. This influx has led to significant traffic congestion, with demonstrators blocking roads and parking more than 5,000 vehicles in the vicinity.

Violation of Protest Conditions

Authorities reported that protesters cooked food, bathed, danced, and even played cricket in public spaces, breaching the pre-established conditions for the reservation movement. BMC personnel cleaned up the area around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Monday night, where leftover food and trash from the protesters were scattered.

Court Orders Compliance

The High Court has mandated that all roads in Mumbai be cleared by Tuesday afternoon. An official stated that the police issued notices to Jarange and his core team for violating the conditions set for the protest. The notice was directed at the organization 'Aamaran Upvash,' based in Jarange's native village of Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district.

Demands for Reservation

Jarange is advocating for the inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category to secure reservation benefits. Thousands of supporters have traveled to Mumbai in trucks and buses to participate in the protest. While some protesters moved their vehicles to designated parking areas, many remained parked at CSMT junction and connecting roads.

Health Monitoring and Allegations Against Government

The High Court remarked that the Maratha movement has rendered Mumbai 'completely paralyzed' and has violated all conditions. The court provided an 'opportunity' for Jarange and the protesters to ensure that all roads are cleared by the deadline. Jarange, who stopped drinking water on Monday, took a few sips during a media address after the court's order. Doctors from the government-run JJ Hospital have been monitoring his health for the past two days.

Protest Activities and Cleanup Efforts

On Monday, Jarange accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of deliberately delaying a decision on the issue. He claimed that it would be easy for the government to declare the Maratha community as 'Kunbi' and distribute certificates through district collectors and tehsildars. Supporters transformed the CSMT station area into a playground, engaging in games like kabaddi and wrestling. However, littering and the muddy conditions caused by rain made movement difficult for people and vehicles.

BMC's Cleanup Operations

BMC workers used machines to collect waste and pressure jets to clean the area outside CSMT. They also deployed around 1,000 cleaning staff to maintain cleanliness in and around Azad Maidan, where a large number of protesters have gathered. The BMC has provided trash bags to the protesters, urging them to dispose of waste properly, and has set up 400 toilets at various locations.

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