Bandh across Maharashtra over Maratha reservations, Mumbai area exempt

File picture.

Maratha outfits demanding reservation are going on a Maharashtra-wide bandh on Thursday. They have however announced that it would be limited to a demonstration in the Mumbai region.

The bandh calls comes despite an assurance from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that the Maratha community would get the quota it demands in government jobs and educational institutions by November.

The earlier bandh, on July 25, had descended into violence in Mumbai.

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09 August 2018

10:39 IST

Internet services suspended in Pandarpur.

10:37 IST

All schools and colleges remain shut in Beed.

10:35 IST

Protestors have blocked the Mumbai - Goa highway near Mahad.

10:19 IST

Internet services suspended in a number of areasto prevent the spread of tensions through social media and mass messaging platforms.

09:16 IST

Following statewide bandh called by Maratha Kranti Morcha over demand for #MarathaReservation, Buses of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, not plying as a precautionary measure in Pune pic.twitter.com/FDbs4VoCfO

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2018

08:30 IST

Bus services affected across Maharashtra. Trucks largely staying off the roads. Many highways blocked by protestors.

08:28 IST

Mumbai residents seem totally unsure of how the statewide bandh will play out in their city, despite the announcement that it would not cover Mumbai.

The morning has seen a number of tweets targeted at the authorities trying to find out if it is safe to head to work or send children to schools.

On the whole, the Maximum City has gotten off to a not-so-maximum start today.

08:25 IST

The statewide bandh may have exempted the Mumbai region. But, the bandh still seems to have taken a toll in Mumbai.

Many social media posts reported the seemingly low availability of taxis, leading to hgh surge pricing on platforms like Ola and Uber.

Clearly there is a shortage of @Uber cabs maybe 'coz of #MaharashtraBandh. Such steep pricing. Checked @Olacabs and their fares are higher as well than normal. So while trains are running, not sure about other modes of transport. pic.twitter.com/eGPc7CbXP8

— Durraiya Hasta (@Durish) August 9, 2018

08:25 IST

Local media reports claiming the protestors have turned back vehicles headed to factories in some parts of the state.

07:46 IST

Reports suggest that the protestors have forcefully blocked the Pune - Aurangabad highway.

07:09 IST

Social media posts indicate power supply disruption in Aurangabad. Unclear if this is related to the bandh.

07:03 IST

The Bombay High Court had on Wednesday expressed 'anxiety' over the possibility of more violence during today's bandh. The court has asked the Maratha organisations to ensure no voilence breaks out today.

07:03 IST

More than 27,000 cases have been registered over incidents of violence since mid-July, reports have said.

07:02 IST

Airlines have warned of possible delays because of the bandh. Passengers have been advised to check if their flights are on time before leaving for the airports.

07:01 IST

Mumbai too has been spared. The protest will be limited to a demonstration in Bandra.

07:00 IST

There will be no bandh in Navi Mumbai, which had witnessed violence during the earlier protests on July 25.

06:59 IST

Maratha leaders have asked protestors to avoid violence or any damage to public property.

06:57 IST

06:56 IST

Schools, colleges, officies and factories have been ordered shut in a number of places across Maharashtra.