Mumbai Police Cancel All Leaves Amid Ganesh Festival and Maratha Reservation Stir
Mumbai, 30th August 2025: As Mumbai welcomes the grandeur of the Ganesh festival while simultaneously witnessing growing momentum in the Maratha reservation agitation, the city police have gone into high-alert mode. In a decisive move to maintain law and order, all police leaves have been cancelled, with officers on vacation instructed to return to duty immediately.
The order comes at a critical juncture. On one hand, thousands of devotees are thronging pandals and processions during the ten-day Ganesh festival. On the other hand, the Maratha community, led by activist Manoj Jarange, has gathered in large numbers in the city, pressing for reservation demands. The dual challenges have resulted in massive traffic snarls and heightened pressure on the city’s already stretched security network.
A circular issued by the Senior Inspector of the Naigaon Armed Police Force underscored the urgency, noting that “the combined challenge of festival crowds and the ongoing agitation requires maximum police presence across the city.” Administrative officers have been tasked with personally contacting those on leave and ensuring their immediate resumption of duty.
What the Police Order Means for the City
Extra Vigilance: Deployment across key festival locations, protest venues, and sensitive junctions.
Full Manpower: No officer or staff member will be allowed to remain on leave.
Proactive Measures: Senior officials are closely monitoring the movement of protestors and the flow of Ganesh devotees to prevent clashes or mishaps.
Meanwhile, activist Jarange, who began his indefinite protest on Monday, completed the first day reiterating that the agitation would continue until Marathas are granted reservation. With uncertainty surrounding the duration of the stir, the Mumbai Police appear to be preparing for a long haul.
For Mumbai, the situation underscores the city’s delicate balancing act, celebrating one of its most cherished festivals while navigating one of the state’s most sensitive political agitations.
