Mumbai, September 24, 2024 — Mumbai is witnessing a massive gathering today as over one lakh Muslims from across Maharashtra converge on the city, protesting against recent controversial statements made by BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and Hindu religious leader Ramgiri Maharaj. The rally has drawn people from various towns and cities, with thousands of vehicles flooding into the city via the Samruddhi Mahamarg, causing severe traffic disruptions along the way.
Participants in the rally, organized to condemn what they call "provocative and divisive remarks" against the Muslim community, began arriving early in the morning. As the numbers swell, major roads leading to the city have been brought to a near standstill, creating a logistical nightmare for authorities trying to manage the flow of vehicles and maintain order.
Traffic Chaos on Samruddhi Mahamarg
The newly opened Samruddhi Mahamarg, a key route connecting different parts of Maharashtra to Mumbai, has been heavily affected by the influx of vehicles headed for the protest. Long traffic jams have been reported, with vehicles moving at a snail’s pace, as buses and trucks filled with demonstrators make their way to the city. Commuters have expressed frustration, with many stuck on the highway for hours.
"It's not just about the rally in Mumbai, but the disruption it's causing across the entire state," said a traveler caught in the gridlock.
AIMIM Leader Denied Entry to Mumbai
In a move to manage the growing crowd, the Mumbai Police have announced that AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel, one of the prominent faces behind the rally, has not been granted permission to enter the city. According to authorities, the decision was made to avoid any potential unrest, with officials citing concerns about maintaining public order.
Despite the restriction, many AIMIM supporters have already arrived, with others taking up leadership roles in Jaleel’s absence. The police, however, have emphasized that no exceptions will be made for Jaleel or any other leader attempting to lead a protest without official clearance.
“We have a duty to maintain peace in Mumbai. While people have the right to protest, no one is above the law,” a senior police officer stated.
3,000 Police Officers Deployed
The city’s law enforcement has geared up for what could be one of the largest demonstrations Mumbai has seen in recent times. With over 3,000 officers deployed across key locations, police are working to ensure that the rally remains peaceful. Security has been tightened around sensitive areas, with barricades and checkpoints set up to prevent any potential clashes or violence.
Azad Maidan, where the majority of protesters are expected to gather, has been placed under strict surveillance, with officers stationed at every corner. “We are here to ensure everyone’s safety,” a police spokesperson said. “We are prepared for any situation, but our hope is that the protest remains non-violent.”
Political Fallout
The rally has also ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leaders criticizing the government for failing to address the rising communal tensions. Nitesh Rane, whose remarks sparked the protest, remains defiant, dismissing the gathering as “political drama” meant to create a spectacle.
“Those organizing this protest are not interested in peace or justice. They are looking to stir unrest ahead of elections,” Rane said in a statement. His comments have only added fuel to the fire, as protesters demand not just an apology but legal action for the remarks.
Ramgiri Maharaj, who has also come under fire for his statements, has refrained from making any further comments, though his followers have continued to support him on social media, accusing the protestors of trying to silence Hindu voices.
The Road Ahead
As the day unfolds, Mumbai remains on edge. While the protest has so far remained peaceful, the sheer size of the gathering has raised concerns about how long the city can function under such pressure. With traffic disruptions extending beyond the city limits, authorities are urging commuters to avoid affected areas and have implemented traffic diversions to manage the flow.
Leaders from both sides have called for calm, urging their supporters to maintain peace even as tensions run high. The Mumbai Police, too, have asked the public to cooperate and avoid spreading rumors or misinformation that could escalate the situation.
For now, the city holds its breath, waiting to see how the protest — and the government’s response — will shape the broader political and communal landscape in Maharashtra.
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