Aditya Thackeray warns of Maharashtra bandh after Mumbai police detain CJP protesters
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray criticised the state and Centre after police detained Cockroach Janta Party protesters in Mumbai, and said a Maharashtra bandh would follow.
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A nationwide agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is under way demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Its echoes are now being heard in Mumbai, where police detained protesters, heating up the city's political climate.
The background is the action in Delhi. Yesterday, October 10, Delhi Police had picked up CJP office-bearers and protesters, after which angry reactions began coming in from across the country. In the same vein, Mumbai Police also detained people taking part in the agitation here.
In view of the protest in the Shivaji Park area of Dadar, Mumbai Police began rounding up protesters. As CJP workers started gathering there, the police put heavy security in place. Roads leading to the protest site were closed and several people were detained. The action spread resentment among workers of the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction).
Tension then built up between workers and police around Shiv Sena Bhavan. Aditya Thackeray and Tejas Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) reached the spot and joined the protest. There are reports of an argument between Aditya Thackeray and the police. It has also been reported that Aditya Thackeray stopped a police vehicle that was taking protesters away. He demanded the release of the detained workers and protested against the police action.
Aditya Thackeray criticised both the state government and the Central government over the police action. He alleged that the agitation was proceeding peacefully and that an attempt was deliberately made to disturb the atmosphere. "Now Maharashtra will shut down," he said. He also warned that the police action could force a shutdown of Mumbai. He also said, "Now we will not sit quiet", and indicated an intention to continue the agitation.
Aditya Thackeray alleged that police entered Shiv Sena Bhavan. Expressing anger, he said the Central government should be ashamed. There are also reports that he said Amit Thackeray had likewise been arrested.
The police action in Mumbai and the tension around Shiv Sena Bhavan that followed have given the agitation a political colour. With Aditya Thackeray and Tejas Thackeray joining, talk of the agitation has intensified.
