Mumbai: Taking strong exception to the denial
of permission by the Bombay High Court to hold a public
meeting at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai, Maharashtra
Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Friday said he would now
hold the election rally on the streets.
"During the elections, permission should be granted for
rallies at the ground. It is a part of the democracy... If so
many restrictions are laid down, what is the point of holding
elections," he said at a press conference following the
court's order this morning.
"What was the problem in allowing us to hold rally for a
day," he asked, adding he would now hold a public meeting on
the streets instead.
Slamming the Maharashtra government for the party's
request before the high court, he said, "One party is granted
permission, while another is denied... State government says
it has no objection to Shiv Sena's annual (Dussehra) rally (at
Shivaji Park). When I ask for permission, government objects.
"It is not only about me. Anybody who needs the ground
for a public meeting should get it."
"The court is independent. If it starts listening to the
government, then it's a difficult situation," he said.
The MNS had moved the high court after Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) refused to allow it to use
loudspeakers at Shivaji Park, relying on an earlier order
passed by the high court declaring the park as a silence zone.
MNS's rally was to be on February 13, ahead of February
16 Mumbai corporation election.
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 03, 2012, 18:09