MNS protests in Vasai-Virar over water woes, seek urgent inauguration of supply scheme

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) conducted a substantial protest in the Vasai-Virar area of Palghar district, addressing the persistent water issues faced by over 30 lakh people in the region

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) conducted a substantial protest in the Vasai-Virar area of Palghar district, addressing the persistent water issues faced by over 30 lakh people in the region, stated a report in the PTI. 

MNS leader Sharmila Thackeray, according to the PTI report, highlighted that a scheme designed to provide 185 million litres of water per day had not been inaugurated by the state government, causing daily hardships for the local population.

Thackeray issued a stern warning, stating that if the water supply scheme is not inaugurated within five days, the MNS would take it upon themselves to do so forcibly, ensuring that the people receive the necessary relief, the report added. 

She, reportedly, suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had visited Shirdi in Ahmednagar district the previous day, could have inaugurated the water supply scheme through a video link.

Thackeray clarified that the MNS is not concerned about taking credit for the scheme; their primary objective is to ensure that the people of Vasai and Virar no longer suffer from water woes. She was accompanied by MNS Thane-Palghar chief Avinash Jadhav, the report added. 

Activists from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) staged a protest in Thane city, on Saturday in opposition to the upcoming toll charge increase at five entry points to Mumbai, scheduled to take effect on October 1. The protest was led by Avinash Jadhav, the chief of the MNS units in Thane and Palghar, with demonstrators waving party flags, displaying banners, and vociferously denouncing the toll hike.

According to the PTI report, despite the demonstration, vehicular traffic at the checkposts remained largely unaffected as protesters stood at the side of the road and continued their agitation.

Speaking to reporters, Jadhav conveyed that while the protest on Saturday had been peaceful, the MNS is prepared to escalate its agitation in the near future, promising a stronger response.

MNS has been in the news recently over their protest on toll price rise. They protested at five toll plazas to Mumbai namely Dahisar (Western Express Highway), Airoli, Vashi (Sion-Panvel Highway), Mulund West (LBS Marg), and Eastern Express Highway. The party chief Raj Thackeray had met with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over the same issue. 

Reportedly, the toll rates at the five were revised this year which will be effective till 2026. The toll prices are increased every three years.

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