The warning came after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) announced a joint protest march in support of students demanding action over alleged irregularities and police action against protesters.
Addressing a press conference, Raj Thackeray accused the central government of taking strict action against peaceful student protests. He also pointed out that when the Bharatiya Janata Party was in opposition, it frequently held demonstrations over various issues and demanded ministerial resignations.
“If any goons infiltrate the protest on July 26, we will beat them up, just like we did in Delhi. Such people should stay away from my protest. The government should have initiated discussions on this issue. Today, the protests have increased, so the government is scared. Today, the Prime Minister is scared; that is why he is posting messages. I would only say one thing to police officers who do not provoke violence by doing all this,” Thackeray said, according to news agency ANI.
Over the past several days, Mumbai has witnessed demonstrations supporting the movement at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with protesters demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray have extended their support to CJP founder Abhijit Dipke, who is currently protesting at Jantar Mantar. Uddhav Thackeray also visited Delhi and met CJP members and other protesting young people at Jantar Mantar to announce support for their movement.
Along with the Thackerays, several other leaders, including Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar, have also supported the protests.
In view of the increasing demonstrations, Mumbai Police has imposed prohibitory orders across the city from July 23 to August 6.
Under the restrictions, gatherings of five or more people are prohibited. The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan under the Maharashtra Police Act on Monday.
The restrictions also prohibit processions, the use of loudspeakers and amplification equipment, musical bands, and the bursting of crackers during processions.
The upcoming July 26 protest has become a major political and public issue, with opposition leaders extending support to protesting students while authorities have implemented preventive measures to maintain law and order across Mumbai.
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