Nod denied for today’s protest march as MNS insisted on specific route: CM Fadnavis; party workers detained
Apprehending law and order issues, the Mumbai police requested MNS to change the protest route, but the party did not accept it, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said.
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The MNS had called the protest to counter a stir organised by traders after a shop owner was recently thrashed by party workers for refusing to speak in Marathi. (Express photo by Akash Patil)Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the police denied permission for the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) march in Mumbai’s Mira Road on Tuesday morning as party leaders insisted on a particular route for the protest, which could have led to law and order issues. Several MNS workers were detained in this connection since last night.
The MNS had called the protest to counter a stir organised by traders after a shop owner was recently thrashed by party workers for refusing to speak in Marathi.
“I inquired with the police as to why permission was denied for the MNS protest march. I was told that they were insistent on a route which would lead to conflict. The police also said that they had inputs about some people who wanted to indulge in some other activities,” Fadnavis said.
“The police repeatedly requested them to change the route, but they did not accept it. So the permission was denied,” he said, pointing out that the police always direct protest organisers to change their route if any traffic problem or stampede-like situation arises.
Fadnavis added that permission can be given to anyone to hold protest marches, but if someone wants to hold it on their terms and disturb law and order, then it is not good. “We have to live in the same state. Permission will be given if the usual route is taken,” he said, adding that they were initially allowed to hold a public rally.
“Marathi people are always universal in approach. They don’t get provoked easily by anyone,” he stated.
Nishikant Dubey’s remarks ‘improper’, says Fadnavis
Criticising BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s recent remarks against MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis said, “Though he hasn’t said it to all Marathi people, it is improper to say such things as it leads to different interpretations.”
In the wake of the language row in Maharashtra, Jharkhand MP Dubey had said that if the Thackerays step out of Maharashtra, “they will be thrashed repeatedly. You people (Marathis) are surviving on our money. What kind of industries do you have? If you are brave enough to beat Hindi speakers, then you should also beat those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu.”
Reacting to the comment, Fadnavis said that Marathis have always stood against foreign invaders and have kept the Indian culture alive by fighting against them. Praising the battle history of Maratha warriors, the chief minister said, “Nobody can deny the contribution of Marathi people and nobody should even try to do it.”
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