India, Sept. 2 -- The Maratha quota agitation, which entered Mumbai with more than 25,000 supporters led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Friday, has not only paralysed traffic but also left a severe dent in business across some of the city's busiest commercial hubs.

From Crawford Market and Zaveri Bazaar to Nariman Point and Fashion Street, usually buzzing with weekend shoppers, shops have worn a deserted look since Friday. Traders say the disruption has been especially damaging during the ongoing festive season, a time when sales usually peak.

"Weekend sales are crucial for retailers. This time, the protests ruined it completely. More than 5,000 wholesale shops in the Crawford Market area have been adversely affected," said Viren Sh...