Shinde Sena Minister Defies Government, Supports MNS Protest: “Arrest Me”

In a surprising turn of events, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Baburao Sarnaik, a member of the ruling Shinde Sena, publicly challenged his own government by joining and backing a protest led by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Minister Criticizes Police Handling of MNS Rally

Sarnaik expressed strong disapproval of the police’s actions in halting the MNS-led rally. He openly criticized their intervention, arguing that it infringed upon the right to protest peacefully. Going a step further, he declared, “Let them arrest me,” demonstrating his solidarity with the MNS protestors.

Political Implications and Questions Raised

This unexpected alliance between a Shinde Sena minister and the MNS has sparked considerable speculation about the current political climate in Maharashtra. Sarnaik’s bold defiance of his own government raises questions about potential internal disagreements and the future of the ruling coalition. The incident also brings the issue of freedom of expression and the handling of public protests into sharp focus.