Mumbai: On Saturday, Mumbai experienced significant political drama and public enthusiasm as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray took a local train from Dadar to Churchgate to join the joint 'Satyacha Morcha' (March for Truth) organized by the MNS and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to protest alleged discrepancies in the state's voter lists.
Thackeray Signing Autographs for Supporters
The event attracted large numbers of commuters and party followers at various stations on the Western line. At Dadar, eager passengers gathered to see Thackeray, with some obtaining his autograph, including one on a train ticket, which the individual intends to frame as a memento, according to ABP Majha. Significant police presence was observed at Churchgate station before Thackeray's arrival to manage the crowd and ensure safety.
The 'Satyacha Morcha' is set to start at 1 pm from Fashion Street, moving through Metro Cinema to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters. A platform has been arranged there for speeches by prominent opposition figures such as Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Balasaheb Thorat, Jayant Patil, and others.
The demonstration is intended to challenge what the organizers describe as significant inconsistencies in the voter lists before the forthcoming local body elections. Leaders from the MNS and MVA have blamed the Commission for carelessness and disarray in managing the electoral rolls. They cautioned that if the issue continues, they are ready to take legal steps.
Mumbai Police Refuses Authorization for Rally
At the same time, the Mumbai Police has refused to grant permission for the large rally planned for today. Authorities mentioned security and traffic issues as reasons for their decision and cautioned that any unauthorized procession would be subject to legal consequences.
