Language row: MNS leader Avinash Jadhav detained ahead of protest march

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader and Thane-Palghar district president Avinash Jadhav was detained by police at 3 am, just hours before a scheduled protest rally over the language row.

MNS workers allegedly assaulted a trader recently for refusing to speak in Marathi. Following the incident, a protest march was held by non-Marathi-speaking residents at Mira-Bhayandar, Thane.

In response, MNS announced its own rally today.

Despite police denying permission for the rally, MNS leaders remain defiant. Police have issued a notice to Jadhav, but he insisted on proceeding with the rally, leading to his pre-dawn detention. He was taken from his residence and brought to the Kashimira police station.

The MNS rally was scheduled to begin at 10 am from Balaji Hotel and conclude at Mira Road. However, police refused to grant official clearance for the protest.

Speaking before his detention, Jadhav strongly criticized the police move. “Marathi is our mother tongue, and we are ready to face any consequences for her. We will not bow to any pressure. The rally will take place as planned."