'Let Them Arrest Me': Shinde Sena Minister Defies Own Govt, Joins MNS Protest
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Baburao Sarnaik criticised the police for their actions in halting the MNS-led rally
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Baburao Sarnaik, a senior leader from Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, on Tuesday distanced himself from his own government to join a protest led by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Thane's Mira Bhayandar. The demonstration was organised over the language row involving traders and Marathi-speaking locals.
Sarnaik criticised the police for their actions in halting the MNS-led rally, claiming there were no official instructions from the government to suppress a peaceful protest.
Speaking to the media in Thane, he said, 'The police action was completely unjustified. The government has not issued any instructions to suppress a peaceful march held in support of Marathi pride. The way police are detaining people it raises doubts that they are working on some party agenda."
Defying his own government, Sarnaik said he was ready to face arrest, stating, 'The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti and several other organizations had applied for the rally, but were denied permission. I am going—if the police dare, let them arrest me. I stand with those who are speaking up for Marathi asmita."
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On the police denying permission for a Marathi Morcha in Mira Road, Minister Pratap Sarnaik says, 'The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti and several other organizations had applied for the rally, but were denied permission. I am going—if the police dare, let them… pic.twitter.com/N7mdFlB1EI — IANS (@ians_india) July 8, 2025
The rally was held following an incident in which a food stall owner was allegedly assaulted for not speaking Marathi. This triggered protests by the trader community, which in turn sparked a counter-protest from MNS and other pro-Marathi groups.
The MNS protest, supported by the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti and other local organisations, saw participation from hundreds of people, including workers and leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Protesters marched through the streets of Mira Bhayandar, raising slogans in support of Marathi identity.
However, the situation turned tense when Sarnaik arrived at the protest site. Instead of a warm welcome, he was heckled by angry MNS workers, who labelled him a 'traitor" and demanded he leave. As the crowd grew agitated, the minister was forced to exit the location.
Police had initially denied permission for the protest citing concerns over law and order. Despite this, MNS workers gathered in large numbers. Several of them, including Thane MNS chief Avinash Jadhav, were detained. Some were picked up before the protest began, while others were taken away as they addressed the media.
In some cases, women protesters were seen being taken away in police vans. A number of MNS activists were also held overnight or kept inside a banquet hall to prevent them from joining the protest.
Sarnaik has said he will raise the matter with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
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