'Let them arrest me': Maharashtra minister defies his own govt; joins MNS protest in Thane

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday criticised his own government over the denial of permission for a Marathi rally in Mira Road and joined the protest, even daring the police to arrest him.

“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,” Sarnaik told reporters.


The protest, led by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), came after police refused permission for a ‘Marathi Morcha’ in Mira-Bhayander, citing public safety and traffic disruption.

The refusal followed a July 1 viral video showing MNS workers allegedly slapping a food stall owner in Bhayander for not speaking Marathi, which drew widespread condemnation.

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

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis sharply criticised the MNS for defying police instructions. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Maharashtra is a democratic state. If anyone wants to take out a morcha, they must take permission. The route is decided by police for reasons like crowd control and traffic management. I was informed that they were asked to take an alternate route, but they were adamant. Hence, the rally was not permitted.”

Without naming the MNS, Fadnavis added, “I understand the essence of Maharashtra. Marathi people are large-hearted. We are not narrow-minded. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj always stood united with the people of the nation. These experiments won’t work here.”

Also Read: MNS rally sparks tension in Mira Road; Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik forced to leave by protesters
On Tuesday morning, MNS supporters were seen resisting police action amid heavy sloganeering as several were detained to prevent them from entering Mira-Bhayander. MNS leader Avinash Jadhav and other party workers were among those taken into custody.

Police had registered an FIR against seven people under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting, assault, and criminal intimidation in connection with the July 1 incident. The accused were later released with notices.

In anticipation of unrest, Mira Bhayander–Vasai Virar DCP Prakash Gaikwad had issued prohibitory orders on Monday evening.