Thane Erupts in Marathi Pride Rally Amid Language Row Tensions

Hundreds rallied in Mira Bhayandar, Thane, under the banner of Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers uniting to champion Marathi 'asmita' (pride). The protest, sparked by an attack on a shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi, countered a recent traders’ march in the area. NCP (SP) leaders also joined, amplifying the call for Marathi identity ahead of civic polls.

Police initially denied permission, citing law and order concerns, and detained MNS activists, including Thane chief Avinash Jadhav, from midnight. Dramatic scenes unfolded as women protesters were bundled into vans, chanting against police “high-handedness.” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified permission was granted but disputed the chosen route. After political intervention, the rally proceeded along the planned path from Balaji Square to the Major Kaustubh Rane memorial.

Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik, who criticized police actions as “uncalled for,” faced heckling from the crowd, with some branding him a “gaddar” (traitor) for perceived anti-Marathi stances. Sarnaik defended his support for the cause, promising to raise the issue with Fadnavis.

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Protesters, donning “Me Marathi” caps and waving flags, accused the BJP-led government of favoring traders’ rallies while suppressing Marathi voices. Sana Deshmukh, in a hijab, vowed resilience against attempts to silence Marathi pride. The rally follows a July 5 joint victory march by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, celebrating the rollback of Hindi as a mandatory third language in schools, signaling a rare alliance.

The language row has turned volatile, with incidents like MNS workers damaging an investor’s office and BJP leaders escalating tensions with provocative remarks. NCP (SP)’s Jitendra Awhad demanded action against police for curbing democratic rights. As passions run high, the Marathi cause is reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape.

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