September 1, 2025

Mumbai is in turmoil as the ongoing Maratha agitation brings the city’s heartbeat to a near halt. The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA) has raised a red flag, warning that shops and markets in South Mumbai are facing sharp sales drops and huge financial losses. The protest, centered around a hunger strike by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, demands a 10 percent reservation for Marathas in the OBC category. Supporters from all over Maharashtra have flooded Mumbai to back the cause. Originally, police allowed only up to 5,000 protesters following a Bombay High Court rule requiring official permission for protests, but the numbers have swelled. “Uncontrollable traffic and swelling crowds have paralysed the city, severely affecting daily life and business,” said Viren Shah, President of FRTWA. He painted a bleak picture, explaining how weekend sales have dropped to almost nothing, offices face disruption, and crucial business meetings get postponed. "Mumbai feels hijacked," he exclaimed. The agitation's impact goes beyond just vehicles stuck in endless jams. It strikes at the heart of Mumbai's economy, threatening livelihoods and shaking the confidence of traders and business owners. Despite the chaos, Manoj Jarange Patil has vowed, “I will not leave Mumbai until my demands are met,” signaling a prolonged standoff ahead. In this city known for its pace and hustle, the Maratha stir has forced a grinding standstill, mixing the spices of protest with the bitter taste of economic pain. Everyone watches closely: How long will Mumbai’s mighty engine grind to a halt? (Published on September 1, 2025)

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Tags: Maratha agitation, Mumbai traffic, Retail traders, Business losses, Hunger strike, Manoj jarange patil,