Maratha quotas: Peaceful start to Maharashtra shutdown
Mumbai, Aug 9 : The Maratha-sponsored shutdown demanding employment and education quotas started on a peaceful note in most parts of Maharashtra, barring Mumbai Metropolitan Region, officials said on Thursday.
The organisers - Sakal Maratha Samaj and Maratha Kranti Morcha besides other affiliated groups - have appealed to all supporters to ensure a violence-free shutdown and cooperate with the police among others things.
In Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai, only token protests were held, the suburban trains on the Western Railway and Central Railway operated normally.
However, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corp (MSRTC) decided to suspend its services in most parts of the state to avoid being the target of the activists.
In Latur, Sholapur, Kolhapur, Palghar and several other places, activists blocked road traffic while Pune, Ahmednagar, Washim, Dhule, Buldhana, Nanded, Akola, Parbhani, Jalna, Hingoli, Aurangabad woke up to a total shutdown.
Although Nashik was normal, there were roadblocks, processions and sit-ins and similar agitations in Nagpur, where activists performed prayers to a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In Yavatmal, a bike rally was taken out.
Internet services were snapped as a precaution in several districts like Aurangabad, Osmanabad and Ahmednagar while protestors staged a sit-in outside the Baramati (Pune district) home of Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar.
There were road blocks on the Mumbai-Goa Highway, Mumbai-Nashik Highway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway, which remained practically traffic-free due to the shutdown.
In Sindhudurg district, Marathas staged a 'jail-bharo' agitation in all sub-districts. They were later let off.
Though exempt from the shutdown, many schools and colleges in the state remained shut as students and teachers could not reach on time owing to the agitation.
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Rohit Sharma's leaked chat with Zaheer Khan sparks controversy ahead of LSG vs MI clash
Mumbai: A video featuring Rohit Sharma in conversation with former Mumbai Indians coach Zaheer Khan has gone viral, stirring controversy ahead of Mumbai Indians' IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants. The footage, shared by Mumbai Indians on social media, shows Rohit saying, “Jo jab karna tha maine kiya barabar se, ab mereko kuch karne ki zarurat nahi hai” (Whatever had to be done, I did it properly, now I don't need to do anything).
The clip quickly drew comparisons to a similar controversy in IPL 2024 when Rohit was seen speaking with Kolkata Knight Riders' assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, allegedly discussing internal matters of Mumbai Indians. That video was later taken down by KKR’s social media team.
🚨Selfish Greedy Rohit Sharma got exposed again. Last year he was talking with Abhishek Nair now with EX MI Bowling coach Zaheer Khan.
— Vikass (@183_ViratKohli) April 3, 2025
“Mujhe jo karna tha maine tab barabar se kiya, ab mereko koi jarurat nhi” (probably about his batting for MI)
MI deleted this video 👇👇 https://t.co/4eGkuqLj5r pic.twitter.com/169Nm287kW
Adding to the intrigue, Rishabh Pant was seen approaching Rohit and sharing a hug during the conversation. Fans have speculated on the significance of the remarks, with debates intensifying online.
As Mumbai Indians prepare to face Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Stadium, Rohit’s on-field form remains a concern. The veteran batsman has managed only 21 runs in three innings so far this season. However, the team gained momentum with a win against Kolkata Knight Riders, fueled by strong performances from Suryakumar Yadav and Ryan Rickelton.
Lucknow Super Giants, boasting a 5-1 head-to-head record against MI, will rely on Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh to maintain their dominance. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, struggling for runs, will be under scrutiny as both teams aim for a crucial victory.
