Tue Jul 08 19:38:55 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Tensions are high in Mira-Bhayandar, Maharashtra, as MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers held a rally in support of Marathi pride, responding to a previous protest by traders over an incident involving an MNS worker slapping a sweet shop owner for not speaking Marathi. Opposition parties are blaming the Chief Minister and Home Department for escalating the issue by allegedly denying permission for the rally. The MNS rally proceeded despite police suggesting an alternative route, and a state minister faced heckling for participating. Meanwhile, a BJP MP’s remarks amidst the language row have drawn criticism, with opposition leaders questioning the CM’s silence on the matter.

**News Article:**

**Marathi Pride Rally Sparks Tensions in Maharashtra Town**

**Mumbai, July 9, 2025** – Tensions flared in Mira-Bhayandar, Maharashtra, yesterday as workers from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) staged a rally advocating for Marathi “asmita” (pride). The demonstration was a direct response to a prior protest organized by local traders condemning an incident where an MNS worker allegedly slapped a sweet shop owner for not speaking in Marathi.

The rally, which began at the Balaji Hotel area and concluded at the Mira Road railway station, saw participants chanting slogans emphasizing Marathi identity. Authorities had suggested an alternate route due to the sensitive location, but the MNS proceeded with the original plan under heavy police security.

The opposition has accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Home Department of fueling the conflict, alleging they initially denied permission for the MNS rally. While Fadnavis refuted the claim, stating the party was asked to take a different route, opposition leaders Aaditya Thackeray (Sena-UBT) and Supriya Sule (NCP-SP) criticized the government’s handling of the situation.

Further fueling the fire, Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik (Shiv Sena) was reportedly heckled and forced to leave the protest. Meanwhile, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticized the Chief Minister’s silence regarding controversial comments made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who made veiled threats against MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray amidst the ongoing language dispute. The CM has since labeled his party MP’s comments as “inappropriate.”

The situation remains tense in Mira-Bhayandar, with concerns about the potential for further escalation.

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