Yuva Sena workers detained near Sena Bhavan in Dadar as CJP protest spreads to Mumbai

The agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in New Delhi is now being felt in Mumbai. The protest demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In support of this demand, the Yuva Sena had planned a protest in Mumbai. The police refused permission and began detaining workers, after which tension built up around Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar.

In Delhi, the CJP is demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. According to the information available, Delhi Police detained several workers, including Abhijit Dipke, during the protest. The issue then came into focus and its effect began to show in Mumbai too. As in Delhi, a call for a protest had been given at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Park area in Dadar. Mumbai Police had not granted permission, and began taking into custody workers who were arriving for the protest.

Yuva Sena office-bearers and workers were gathering outside Shiv Sena Bhavan for the protest. The aim was said to be to support the CJP's agitation. The atmosphere heated up when the police began rounding people up. Shiv Sainiks alleged that the police tried to enter Shiv Sena Bhavan. There was a heated argument between the police and Shiv Sainiks in the area. A large police force was deployed and senior police officers reached the spot.

Shiv Sena leaders Aaditya Thackeray and Tejas Thackeray took to the road to secure the release of the detained Shiv Sainiks. Aaditya Thackeray reportedly stopped a police vehicle and took the position that it would not be allowed to move until the detained Shiv Sainiks were released. It was also reported that he climbed onto the police vehicle himself. Aaditya Thackeray warned that if citizens were touched, they would respond in kind. He said the protest was peaceful for now. Meanwhile, at Shivaji Park, where police were detaining CJP workers, Amit Thackeray reached to help them.

A large number of police have been deployed in the Shivaji Park area. Barricades have been put up on the main approaches and people arriving are being questioned closely. Some youths alleged that not only protesters but also people who had come for other reasons were detained. According to them, some had come for a stroll and some were returning home from work. These youths claim that they told the police they were not protesters, but the police did not listen and detained them without giving any information.

MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande made a serious allegation. He asked whether the police had planned to get a riot started at the Shivaji Park protest. According to Deshpande, a BJP office-bearer held a meeting of local citizens at Shivaji Park police station. He claimed that at this meeting people were told to stop the protesters, oppose them and charge at them, and were assured of protection in return. Deshpande said he has evidence for these allegations. The allegations have not been independently established.

Shiv Sena MLA Mahesh Sawant also gave a clear warning to the police. He said Shiv Sena Bhavan is private property and no attempt should be made to enter it. According to Sawant, there is concern in the country over the right to vote. He alleged that the government is taking away the right to vote and that is why citizens are coming out on the streets. He also alleged that people who had gone out for a walk or shopping, rather than those protesting, were being picked up and put in vehicles. Sawant said that action should be taken only against those who are actually protesting. He also said that the police's job is to maintain law and order on the road, and that further protest would follow depending on the role of Aaditya Thackeray once he arrives at the spot.

What happens next depends on developments. What will become of the detained workers, whether the allegations about police action will be investigated, and whether permission will be given for the protest going forward are questions that remain open.