As the first round of talks between the government and protestors remained inconclusive, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange claimed that if their demands are not met in the next five to six days, more Marathas will pour into the city from rural parts, making things difficult for administration.

Jarange, speaking to the media from Azad Maidan, said, “The government has time till next Saturday or Sunday.” Saturday (September 6) marks the final day of Ganeshotsav festivities, freeing up more people to join the quota stir, posing greater challenges to the city that is already reeling under traffic jams and disruptions.

Yesterday, key Maratha leaders from the ruling regime spent the day discussing the quota issue and later held talks with the quota committee, headed by justice (retired) Sandeep Shinde. The panel also then visited Azad Maidan to seek more time from Manoj Jarange, but the activist flatly refused. As reports of protestors blocking roads spread, Jarange also asked his followers to support the administration and avoid any inconvenience to Mumbai citizens.