This is an archive article published on April 8, 2022
Striking MSRTC employees try to barge into Sharad Pawar’s house, 104 held
The incident sent ripples through the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray condemning the striking employees' action and state Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil calling on the police brass to investigate why they failed to anticipate the violent protest.
The Protesters in front of the Sharad Pawar's house Silver Oak, South Mumbai. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
The Mumbai Police The Mumbai Police arrested 104 people, mostly striking employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), who allegedly tried to barge into Silver Oak, the south Mumbai residence of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, on Friday.
The incident sent ripples through the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray condemning the striking employees’ action and state Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil calling on the police brass to investigate why they failed to anticipate the violent protest.
The incident took place a day after the Bombay High Court disposed the contempt plea filed in a writ petition moved by MSRTC against striking employees and directed the corporation to drop charges against the staffers and reinstate those who were terminated if they resume work by April 22.
Security outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar residence has been ramped up by the Mumbai Police. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
Nearly 90,000 employees of the MSRTC have been on strike since last October demanding the corporation be merged with the state so that the employees can avail the benefits of government servants. While many were expecting that the strike would be withdrawn on Friday, a group of around a hundred protesters gathered around 3.15 pm at Silver Oak. The police said the protesters started raising slogans against Pawar, accusing him of not making any effort to resolve their issues. After a few minutes, the protesters attempted to enter the Silver Oak premises and were stopped by security. This is when the protesters allegedly turned violent and tried to break security barricades.
Pawar’s daughter and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule tried to placate the protesters outside the house. Later, speaking to mediapersons, Sule said her house was attacked. “I am thankful to the Mumbai Police for their prompt reaction… What has happened today is very unfortunate…”
The police said that as soon as the protesters turned violent, they started detaining them. A case was registered against 132 people.
Soon after the incident, security was tightened at residences of several state ministers in Mumbai, including Transport Minister Anil Parab.
एसटी कर्मचाऱ्यांच्या संपाला आज अचानक जे अनिष्ट वळण लागले ते अनुचित आहे.
राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्षाचे राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष आदरणीय पवार साहेबांच्या मुंबईतल्या निवासस्थानाबाहेर झालेली निदर्शने अस्थानी व अनाठायी आहेत. कर्मचाऱ्यांच्या भावना भडकावणारे कोण हे सर्वश्रुत आहे. @PawarSpeaks
The Azad Maidan police also barricaded the entrance and exit gates of Azad Maidan, where hundreds of MSRTC staffers are protesting. At Azad Maidan, many striking employees claimed that they don’t have any idea who attacked Pawar’s house. Claiming that Pawar did not help them, a protester said, “We have been protesting at Azad Maidan for over five months now but nobody listened to us. Pawar is responsible for the suicides of the workers…”
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Claiming that he was on the side of the workers, Pawar said the employees were being misguided by those who are leading them. “If the leader is immature then even the followers can get misguided…”. The CM termed the attack as reprehensible. Walse Patil, meanwhile, instructed Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey and Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) Vishwas Nangre Patil to take strict action against those responsible.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
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Security outside NCP chief Sharad Pawar residence has been ramped up by the Mumbai Police. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
