Mumbai:
Mumbai politician Raj Thackeray says he will defy a police order and will lead his party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), in a march from Girgaum Chowpatty to the Azad Maidan, a distance of about five kms. The police has refused permission for Mr Thackeray's march; he has been allowed to hold his rally at Azad Maidan.
The police has already served a notice on Mr Thackeray under Section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code or CrPC asking him not to make any inflammatory speech. Police sources say that if his party carries out the march peacefully, he will be allowed to go to Azad Maidan. But if things go out of control, Mr Thackeray could be detained, say sources.
Earlier this month, a large demonstration at Azad Maidan spiralled into a riot in which two people died and more than 40 were injured. An armed mob attacked policemen and women; several vehicles were set on fire. The demonstration had been called to protest against the ethnic violence in Assam in which nearly 80 people have died.
At today's rally, Mr Thackeray will demand the resignation of state Home Minister RR Patil and Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik for the riot earlier this month. Though MNS leaders have claimed that over one lakh people will participate in the procession, police expect around 40,000-50,000 people to march from Girgaum Chowpatty to Marine Drive flyover and proceed to Azad Maidan via the Metro Cinema junction. Nearly 20,000 people have already gathered at the point where the march is to begin.
Mumbaikars are bracing for large traffic jams around Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. Roads to many important buildings and offices including the Bombay Stock Exchange are likely to be blocked.
The police has made detailed arrangements to prevent any violence. 15,000 policemen are deployed across the city including Azad Maidan. They are posted on all major roads leading to south Mumbai and are also on alert at major railway stations.
(With Inputs from Agency)
View MNS Protest Route in a larger map