MNS begins toll agitation, promises it will be peaceful

Amidst speculations of violence during the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) statewide agitation against toll collection on highways across the state, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said that the agitation would be peaceful and all highways will be blocked from 9 am. “I had talks with the government who asked to call off the protest asking me to come for talks and was also ready to issue a note about the same. But, I said we had discussions earlier as well but nothing has come out of it. I need a time bound program over the issue from the government. So, the statewide agitation will go on,” said Thackeray, while addressing the media at his residence ‘Krishna Kunj’ in Shivaji Park, Dadar (W). [caption id=“attachment_1385437” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Raj Thackeray said he would be at the Vashi toll[/caption] This is despite the fact that Mumbai police served him a notice, earlier in the day, under section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code from the Shivaji Park police warning him against disturbing the law and order situation. He further said that all the highways would  be blocked on Wednesday from 9 am and he would also be present at the Vashi toll plaza in Navi Mumbai. “I am aware about the practical exams of 12th students are going on and I don’t want to inconvenience the schools and colleges. So, I have instructed the party workers not to indulge in any violence and the protest will be peaceful in all cities,” said Thackeray. The MNS chief added that he would be present at the Vashi toll plaza but refused to divulge the timing. Urging people to participate in the protest because it was for ’their benefit’, the MNS party chief said that a morcha would be carried out from Girgaum chowpatty to Mantralaya on 21 February over the toll issue. “We are using democratic ways to highlight the toll issue. Still, if the government fails to act before 21 February, then the government will see what we can do,” he warned. When asked about the call given for a discussion by Chhagan Bhujbal, minister for public works department, Thackeray said, “What’s the point in discussing the issue with dacoits? The chief minister should speak on the issue.” At a rally in Pune on Sunday, Thackeray had exhorted party workers to stage road blockades on Wednesday in support of the party’s demand for transparency in toll collection and closure of toll booths where the collection target had already been met. Meanwhile, Bhaskar Jadhav, state unit president the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has written to the chief minister demanding that all two way roads in Maharashtra should be made toll free and the government should also cancel the toll on bridges.