Premium

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.

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.”

Story continues below this ad

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.”

Alok Deshpande

Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues. Expertise Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai. Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands'). Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including: State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana). Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides). Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits. Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects. Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission. Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards. Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra. He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram