Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Avinash Jadhav was detained by police around 3:30 AM to stop a planned political rally. His party, the MNS led by Raj Thackeray, immediately shared videos of the arrest on social media, increasing the political tension. The police had already formally denied permission for the rally, citing serious concerns that it would disrupt law and order, reported PTI.
According to PTI , Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis commented on the situation, saying that while people have a democratic right to protest, public safety and convenience are top priorities.
He revealed that authorities had offered the MNS an alternative route for their march to avoid traffic problems, but the party refused to change its plan. Fadnavis warned that using language rights as a tool for political "experiments" would not be tolerated in the state.
Reportedly, ahead of the rally, police had already taken preventative steps. They issued a prohibitory order that banned Avinash Jadhav from entering the Mira Bhayander area for one day.
The order noted that Jadhav has 28 criminal offenses registered against him and that his presence could make the tense situation worse. Security was also increased throughout the region.
This standoff started after a July 1 incident where a food stall owner was assaulted by a group of men, allegedly from the MNS, for not speaking Marathi. A video of the attack went viral, showing the men slapping and threatening the vendor. Seven MNS workers were detained for the assault and later released, according to News 18.
The MNS planned its rally as a direct response to this incident, aiming to reinforce its long-held agenda that Marathi must be used in all local businesses and banks. While Jadhav's detention has stopped the rally for now, the conflict between the groups continues.
