Devendra Fadnavis: ‘These experiments won’t work here’: CM after MNS workers detained ahead of Thane rally; says ‘Marathis are large-hearted’ | Thane News
NEW DELHI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday sharply criticised the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for defying police instructions over its planned rally in Thane, amid growing political friction following the assault of a food stall owner who allegedly failed to speak Marathi.Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said the MNS should have coordinated with authorities about the rally route rather than insisting on a path that posed serious traffic concerns.“Maharashtra is a democratic state. If anyone wants to take out a morcha, they must take permission. The route is decided by police for reasons like crowd control and traffic management. I was informed that they were was asked to take an alternate route, but they were adamant. Hence, the rally was not permitted,” the CM said.
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Without naming MNS directly, Fadnavis further added, “I understand the essence of Maharashtra. Marathi people are large-hearted. We are not narrow-minded. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj always stood united with the people of the nation. These experiments won’t work here.”The CM’s remarks came after MNS leader Avinash Jadhav and several party workers were detained to prevent them from entering the Mira-Bhayander area for their rally, which was meant as a counter to a protest organised by local traders.The traders’ protest came in response to a viral video from July 1, showing MNS workers repeatedly slapping a food stall owner in Bhayander for allegedly not speaking Marathi. The police registered an FIR against seven persons under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting, assault, and criminal intimidation. The accused were released after receiving notices.In anticipation of possible unrest, Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar DCP Prakash Gaikwad issued prohibitory orders on Monday, citing public safety and traffic disruption. On Tuesday morning, MNS supporters were seen resisting police action as they were herded into buses amid heavy sloganeering.The incident has reignited the debate around linguistic identity and political assertion in Maharashtra and is quickly turning into a high-voltage issue ahead of the upcoming civic elections. (With agency inputs)
