Watch: MNS Workers Detained During Thane Protest As Route Dispute Sparks, Fadnavis Responds
MNS workers detained during protest in Thane after route denial sparks clash with police. CM Fadnavis says march wasn’t allowed due to public safety concerns. Watch the full coverage here.
In dramatic scenes caught on camera, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers were detained by police on Tuesday during a protest march in Thane—adding fuel to the state’s simmering language controversy.
The march, led by Raj Thackeray’s party, was initially granted permission but later blocked after MNS leaders insisted on a specific route, which authorities claimed posed logistical concerns. Police enforced prohibitory orders ahead of the protest, sparking heated exchanges between MNS members and security personnel—many of which were recorded and circulated online.
“The state isn’t allowing a Marathi people's march. Is this Maharashtra or somewhere else?” shouted detained protesters as they were whisked away by police vans.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Police detain MNS workers protesting to counter traders' protest over language row, in Mira Bhayandar area pic.twitter.com/r9F1Rch10D
— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2025
Fadnavis Defends Decision to Deny Route
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the move, stating that while protests are a democratic right, the final call on routes lies with law enforcement. “The police commissioner informed me that the MNS was asked to change the route. But they remained adamant, so permission was denied,” he said.
Fadnavis also appealed to the broader sentiment of Maharashtra’s people, adding, “Marathis are not narrow-minded. This kind of experiment won’t work here. We are known for our large-heartedness.”
MNS Cries Foul, Alleges Discrimination
The protest was organized in response to a recent traders' rally in Mira Road—where shopkeepers demonstrated against the alleged assault of a shop owner by individuals wearing MNS scarves, reportedly over language. The MNS claims that while the traders were granted their preferred route, their own march was deliberately rerouted.
“The traders got Mira Road, but we were told to go to Ghodbunder. It’s clear they don’t want us in Mira Road,” said MNS Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande. “Now MNS workers from across Maharashtra will come here. We won’t rest until we’re allowed to protest where we planned.”
Preventive Detentions and Rising Tensions
Police detained local MNS leader Avinash Jadhav early Tuesday morning from his home in Thane. Jadhav, who heads the MNS’s Thane and Palghar units, has 28 pending cases against him, including several cognizable offences, according to police records.
Additional Commissioner of Police Dutta Shinde explained the security rationale: “Due to a recent incident in Mira Bhayandar, we couldn’t allow the march. The area is peaceful, and we are asking people not to assemble. Preventive action has been taken.”
#WATCH | Maharashtra | On MNS workers protest at Mira Bhayandar, Additional CP Dutta Shinde says, "There was a reason to not give permission for protest due to an incident which occurred here earlier. The police are fully alert and taking lawful action to maintain law and order… pic.twitter.com/2TMLYB1Ty6
— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2025
Language Disputes Stir Emotions Across State
This latest face-off underscores the growing tensions around language politics in Maharashtra. Incidents of individuals being allegedly assaulted for not speaking Marathi have triggered protests and counter-protests, with the MNS often at the center of the storm.
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