MNS march against Azad Maidan violence

Mumbaikars are bracing for huge traffic jams around Azad Maidan in South Mumbai today with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) all set to begin a protest march against the recent violence in the city that resulted in the death of two people.

Aug 21, 2012 13:36 IST

Mumbai politician Raj Thackeray pulled up in an SUV to join thousands of supporter in South Mumbai to march from Girgaum Chowpatty to Azad Maidan. The protest is against the recent violence in the city that resulted in the death of two people.

Mr Thackeray and his supporters forced traffic to a complete stop for about 40 minutes in Mumbai, before dispersing for Azad Maidan where Mr Thackeray will, at a rally, demand the resignation of Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil.
Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) began a protest march against the recent violence in Mumbai that resulted in the death of two people.
The MNS protest march will cover a distance of about five kilometres from Girgaum Chowpatty to Azad Maidan.

20,000 people have already gathered at Girgaum Chowpatty. Many more are expected to turn up for the Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena march.
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.
The party was only allowed to hold a rally at Azad Maidan. Party chief Raj Thackeray, however, denied police order and said the MNS would go ahead with the march.

Roads to many important buildings and offices including the Bombay Stock Exchange are likely to be blocked during the march.
Cops have been posted on all major roads leading to south Mumbai and are also on alert at major railway stations.