In an unexpected turn of events, Maharashtra Minister Pratap Baburao Sarnaik on Tuesday defied his own government to join the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) protest in Mira Bhayandar over the ongoing language row.
However, instead of being welcomed, Sarnaik was met with hostility as MNS workers branded him a “traitor” and forced him to leave the protest site. The state transport minister had no choice but to withdraw as the agitated crowd turned increasingly unruly.
Earlier, Sarnaik had openly challenged his own administration, declaring that the police could attempt to arrest him, but he would continue to stand with the protesters.
Meanwhile, several MNS workers, including Thane district president Avinash Jadhav, were detained by the police as they attempted to march as part of the protest.
The tensions had erupted after a food stall owner was allegedly attacked for not speaking Marathi, prompting protests from traders and a sharp counter-protest by the MNS.
Speaking on the situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that the administration had not denied permission for the protest.
“It would be wrong to say that we did not permit the protest at Mira Road. I have spoken to the commissioner, who told me that the police did not refuse permission for the protest,” Fadnavis said speaking to reporters outside the Assembly.
However, Fadnavis clarified that the party was asked to take a different route, which they refused to.
“They had asked for permission for a meeting. We were giving them that permission, but they wanted to hold a protest march on a route where it was not possible to do so. We asked them to take an alternate route, but they did not agree to it. It would be wrong to say that they were not given permission.”
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Ramdas Kadam also dismissed claims of political interference and said that the refusal was due to logistical concerns, reported ANI.
“There is no politics in this. The location where they have requested permission may create a few issues. We have told them to change the location, and then permission will be granted. But they are not willing to change the place,” Kadam stated.
(With ANI inputs)
