Raj Thackeray's MNS rally in Mumbai: Supporters demand for RR Patil's sacking

MUMBAI: Thousands of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supporters on Tuesday gathered to march from Girgaum Chowpatty to Azad Maidan in Mumbai, to protest the violence that took place in the Maidan on August 11.

The march has been organised to denounce the rioting at Azad Maidan, where two persons were killed and 52 others, including 44 policemen and media persons, injured when a protest over Assam clashes turned violent.

Defying the Mumbai police, which refused him permission for a rally from Girgaum Chowpatty to Azad Maidan, MNS chief Raj Thackeray led his supporters' march. Raj Thackeray joined the protestors at Girgaum Chowpatty to march till Azad Maidan. The protestors have demanded the resignation of the Maharashtra Home Minister, RR Patil.

The police, however, did not make any attempt to detain either Thackeray or his supporters when they assembled in thousands at the Chowpatty for the march.

Thackeray stepped out of his Toyota Land Cruiser briefly to speak to his supporters at the Chowpatty before quickly making his way out of the crowd in his vehicle.

Thousands of policemen have been deployed and traffic regulated for the MNS protest which has been peaceful so far.

His supporters beating drums and carrying flags scurried after the leader, who is said to be seeking to capture the Hindutva space hitherto occupied by the Shiv Sena.



Thackeray has called the rally to protest the violence on August 11 and alleged failure of the state administration and Mumbai police to control it.



A long convoy of buses, two-wheelers and cars, ferrying hundreds of supporters and party activist from the Thane unit of the MNS, drove towards the Girgaum Chowpatty to attend the rally called by their leader.

All vehicles driving into Mumbai with MNS activists from Thane and beyond, were subjected to physical inspection by the Mumbai police corps deployed at the toll booth at the Eastern Express Highway on Tuesday.