Bhayandar, April 3: The Bhayandar police have registered cases against activists of the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti who protested to demand a Marathi-speaking Mayor for the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC). The action has sparked outrage among the activists, especially as police notices are being served two months after the actual incident.
Controversy over mayoral nomination
The controversy stems from the MBMC elections held in January, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a landslide victory. Following the win, the party nominated Dimple Mehta for the mayoral post. However, the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti opposed this choice on the grounds that Mehta is not a native Marathi speaker.
Protest held despite denial of permission
On February 3, during the mayoral election process, the Samiti decided to hold a protest. Despite the police denying permission due to concerns over law and order, protesters gathered near the Subhash Chandra Bose Ground in Bhayandar (West).
The demonstrators expressed their dissent against the BJP’s decision through slogan-shouting and musical protests, attempting to march towards the Municipal Corporation headquarters.
Police action and charges
The police have booked committee office-bearers, including Govardhan Deshmukh, Krishna Jadhav, Pramod Porte, Hemendra Bhoir, and others. The charges filed at the Bhayandar Police Station include violation of prohibitory orders (assembly bans), creating a tense atmosphere in society, and non-compliance with government orders.
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Activists object to delayed notices
"It is infuriating that notices are being served two months late. It feels as though there is a ban on protesting for the Marathi language in the state itself." — Govardhan Deshmukh, President, Marathi Ekikaran Samiti.
The delay in informing the activists about the registered cases has further fuelled the tension between the Samiti and the local administration.
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