“Mockery of Civic Sense”: Sumona Chakravarti’s Strong Words on Maratha Morcha Chaos
Mumbai, September 1, 2025 – Television actress Sumona Chakravarti, best known for her role in The Kapil Sharma Show, has slammed the disruption and lawlessness she faced during the recent Maratha Morcha in Mumbai. In a detailed Instagram post, which was later deleted, she described her ordeal of being mobbed by protesters, calling it a “complete mockery of civic sense.”
A Disturbing Encounter Amid the Protest
On Friday afternoon, while driving from Colaba to Fort, Sumona’s car was suddenly surrounded by protesters. She revealed that one man with a saffron stole jumped onto the bonnet of her vehicle and began dancing and laughing, while others banged on her car windows and shouted “Jai Maharashtra!”
She recalled that this happened twice in the span of five minutes, leaving her shaken. “It was horrifying. For the first time in my life, I felt unsafe in my own city, sitting inside my own car,” she wrote.
According to her, the situation escalated so quickly that she feared recording videos or confronting the mob would provoke them further.
“Absolute Lawlessness, No Police Control”
Sumona expressed disappointment at the lack of police intervention. She stated that when the police eventually arrived, they appeared disengaged—“just sitting around and chatting”—while chaos continued on the streets.
She described South Mumbai’s roads as being littered with garbage, plastic bottles, and food waste, while sidewalks were taken over by protesters who were cooking, sleeping, bathing, and even making reels and video calls in public.
“This is not a peaceful protest; this is a complete mockery of civic sense and law & order,” she said.
Fear and Frustration as a Citizen
Sumona Chakravarti admitted that she felt deeply disturbed by the incident. “As a tax-paying citizen, as a woman, and as someone who loves this city, I felt unsafe. We deserve better governance and civic responsibility. We deserve to feel safe in our own city,” she said.
She further reflected that if she had not been accompanied by a male friend in her car, the situation could have been far worse.
Her post resonated with many Mumbai residents who have also been struggling with traffic blockades, garbage, and public nuisance caused by the ongoing protests.
Political Backdrop of the Maratha Morcha
The Maratha Morcha is being spearheaded by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, demanding that the Maratha community be included in the OBC quota for reservations. The protests have intensified since August 29, with large gatherings in Mumbai and other districts.
Analysts believe the ongoing agitation could cause a significant political shift, especially ahead of civic polls, with a possible split between Maratha and OBC votes.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis appealed to protesters to remain within democratic limits, assuring them that the government is sensitive to their demands.
Meanwhile, in Osmanabad (Dharashiv), authorities have imposed restrictions on gatherings until September 9 to prevent clashes between Maratha and OBC groups.
Social Media Backlash and Deleted Post
Sumona Chakravarti’s Instagram post quickly went viral, sparking debates about public protests versus citizens’ rights. While some users supported her, saying no protest should disrupt public safety, others accused her of being insensitive to the cause.
Facing intense reactions, Sumona Chakravarti later deleted her post. However, screenshots had already been widely circulated across platforms, keeping the conversation alive.
Larger Question: Safety and Civic Responsibility
The incident raises larger questions about the balance between democratic rights to protest and the responsibility to maintain law and order. While peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right, the chaos reported by Sumona and others suggests a breakdown in civic discipline and policing.
For many citizens, Sumona Chakravarti’s words echoed their own frustration. Commuters stuck in traffic jams, residents dealing with litter and disruption, and businesses facing losses are all demanding accountability from both protesters and the government.
Her testimony underlines an urgent truth: no matter the cause, public safety and civic sense cannot be compromised.
Conclusion
Sumona Chakravarti’s harrowing experience during the Maratha Morcha has thrown a spotlight on civic issues in Mumbai. Her account of feeling unsafe inside her own car in South Mumbai is a reminder that governance and law enforcement must ensure safety for all—especially women—during mass protests.
As political leaders navigate the Maratha reservation issue, the voices of common citizens like Sumona Chakravarti underscore the urgent need to strike a balance between democratic rights and civic responsibility.
