MNS Workers Detained Before Rally as Fadnavis Slams Marathi Language Row
The situation in Maharashtra heated up again as MNS workers were detained ahead of a rally protesting the recent “slapgate” incident involving a food stall owner in Bhayander. This rally was organized by Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), aiming to counter the protest by local traders demanding justice for the assaulted vendor.
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🔥 What Triggered the Protests?
On July 1, a viral video emerged showing a food stall owner in Bhayander being slapped for not speaking Marathi. The attackers were allegedly MNS activists, identified by their signature MNS scarves. The video showed:
- One man demanding the vendor to speak Marathi.
- The vendor questioning the demand.
- Others in the group slapping him.
Soon after, seven MNS members were detained and later released with police notices. A case was filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting, threats, and assault.
Local traders in Bhayander reacted strongly, staging their own protest to demand strict action against the perpetrators.
🚨 Police Crackdown Before MNS Rally
As tensions rose, MNS planned a rally in Mira Bhayander to push back against the traders’ protest. However, the police denied permission due to potential law and order issues.
“There is no permission for any rally at this location. Gathering here is not appropriate,” said a senior police official, adding that 45 MNS workers were detained by 9 AM, with preventive detentions still ongoing.
Authorities also issued a restriction order on Avinash Jadhav, the MNS leader for Thane and Palghar, barring him from entering the Mira Bhayander area. He was detained at his Thane residence before the rally began.
🗣️ MNS Workers React
While being taken into custody, MNS members questioned the double standards:
“Why were the traders allowed to protest, but not us?” they asked, adding that residents of Maharashtra must learn Marathi or “face consequences.”
🧑⚖️ Devendra Fadnavis Responds Strongly
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the pro-Marathi rally and dismissed it as a failed political experiment.
“I understand Maharashtra’s mood. Such kind of experiment won’t work here. Marathis are not narrow-minded,” he said.
Fadnavis explained that police had suggested a route change for the rally due to traffic and crowd management concerns. However, MNS workers remained adamant, which led to a complete denial of permission.
“Maharashtra is a democratic state. Anyone can protest with permission. But law and order must be maintained,” Fadnavis added.
📍 Security Beefed Up in Mira Bhayander
To avoid escalation, police increased security in Mira Bhayander and warned people against gathering at rally points without permission.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that asserting the Marathi language in commercial places is not new, but violence is not the way forward.
Summary of Events:
- July 1: Bhayander vendor slapped for not speaking Marathi.
- July 2: Video goes viral, MNS members detained.
- July 3: Traders protest.
- July 4: MNS announces counter-protest.
- July 5: Police detain 45+ MNS workers; rally blocked.
🧵 Related News
Read more on the incident and police action in the links below:
- Video of the incident goes viral
- Police statement on Mira Bhayander protest
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita explained
Stay tuned to Bharat Details for updates on Maharashtra’s political developments, regional protests, and civic issues.
