Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday strongly defended the Mira-Bhayandar police’s decision to deny permission for a protest march by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers, citing public safety and traffic disruption concerns.
The protest, scheduled to begin from Balaji Hotel at 10 am, was blocked after MNS workers allegedly refused to alter their planned route despite police objections.
“I spoke with the Police Commissioner, who informed me that the MNS was unwilling to change the rally route. The chosen path would have caused severe traffic issues and risked public inconvenience. When protestors don’t cooperate, police have every right to deny permission,” Fadnavis told reporters.
The chief minister emphasized that while everyone in Maharashtra has the right to protest, it must be done with due permissions. “Marches are allowed, but not at the cost of public order. The police even requested a route change, but MNS leaders remained adamant,” he added.
Tensions escalated in the region as Section 144 was imposed and several MNS leaders, including Thane district chief Avinash Jadhav, were detained in a late-night crackdown to prevent the unauthorized rally.
Commenting on BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s controversial “patak patak ke maarenge” remark, Fadnavis distanced himself from the aggressive tone but clarified the comments were directed at specific organizations, not Marathi citizens.
“Nishikant Dubey didn’t target ordinary Marathi-speaking people, but certain groups that have fanned this controversy. Still, I admit his statement was not entirely appropriate,” Fadnavis said, adding, “Maharashtra’s contribution to India’s progress is undeniable and should never be undermined.”
As political tensions rise ahead of civic elections, the standoff between MNS and the administration has once again ignited debates around language politics and public dissent in Maharashtra.
