PUNE: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), currently in news for forcibly "removing" illegal hawkers, said its intention was to protect open spaces and footpaths in Pune. Even as the political opposition insisted this is an attempt by Raj Thackeray's "politically dead" party to revive itself by targeting poor migrants, the MNS sought public support.
Meanwhile, a magisterial court on Saturday sent 13 MNS workers to police custody till November 7. Following Thursday's attacks on vendors, the Sinhagad police had charged the MNS workers with rioting and dacoity among other offences. Though the Deccan Gymkhana police too had arrested five workers for rioting, they were released on bail.
Earlier on Saturday , a delegation of MNS leaders met police commissioner Rashmi Shukla and demanded that dacoity cases against MNS workers be withdrawn. They hinted the party would intensify its agitation if the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) failed to act against illegal vendors.
"We are not denying that anyone can migrate to the city and work. But the work must be legal. Open spaces, footpaths and roads are for pedestrians and commuters.Even the high court has said similar things in its recent order," MNS leader Anil Shidore said. He added the BJP and Shiv Sena, which govern the PMC, should have acted against illegal hawkers.
The BJP , however, has has thrown its weight behind the hawkers. BJP corporator Shrinath Bhimale, who is also the leader of the House in PMC, said the party was going to support people who have migrated to the city for live lihood. He said the PMC will rehabilitate hawkers.
"The MNS has lost its political relevance and is trying to attract attention by creating ruckus. Most hawkers in Pune, especially those selling vegetables, come from rural areas in the district. Migration will happen and the PMC must properly plan to accommodate the migrants," said NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade.
Meanwhile, a magisterial court on Saturday sent 13 MNS workers to police custody till November 7. Following Thursday's attacks on vendors, the Sinhagad police had charged the MNS workers with rioting and dacoity among other offences. Though the Deccan Gymkhana police too had arrested five workers for rioting, they were released on bail.
Earlier on Saturday , a delegation of MNS leaders met police commissioner Rashmi Shukla and demanded that dacoity cases against MNS workers be withdrawn. They hinted the party would intensify its agitation if the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) failed to act against illegal vendors.
"We are not denying that anyone can migrate to the city and work. But the work must be legal. Open spaces, footpaths and roads are for pedestrians and commuters.Even the high court has said similar things in its recent order," MNS leader Anil Shidore said. He added the BJP and Shiv Sena, which govern the PMC, should have acted against illegal hawkers.
The BJP , however, has has thrown its weight behind the hawkers. BJP corporator Shrinath Bhimale, who is also the leader of the House in PMC, said the party was going to support people who have migrated to the city for live lihood. He said the PMC will rehabilitate hawkers.
"The MNS has lost its political relevance and is trying to attract attention by creating ruckus. Most hawkers in Pune, especially those selling vegetables, come from rural areas in the district. Migration will happen and the PMC must properly plan to accommodate the migrants," said NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade.
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