Daijiworld Media Network – Washim

Washim, Jul 9: Tension gripped the Tondgaon toll plaza in Maharashtra’s Washim district after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers went on a rampage, damaging several booths over alleged incomplete road work and lack of promised facilities.

In a viral video that surfaced online, a few MNS workers can be seen smashing the glass panes of toll booths with iron rods, drawing sharp public reaction.

Raju Patil Kidse, MNS district president, defended the act claiming the toll collection had begun even though the road till Kanergaon village was unfinished. “We submitted repeated memorandums demanding facilities and road completion. The authorities failed to act, leaving us with no option,” Kidse said.

This incident comes amid rising controversy surrounding the MNS, which has been at the centre of several recent language-related assault cases. Just last month, a Rajasthani shopkeeper in Mumbai was allegedly assaulted by MNS workers for not speaking Marathi, a video of which sparked widespread criticism.

In another case earlier this month, MNS workers attacked investor Sushil Kedia’s office in Worli after he posted a defiant message on social media about not learning Marathi. Five party workers were detained in that incident.

A nail artist also faced harassment from MNS members after she publicly supported non-Marathi speakers in the wake of the Mumbai shopkeeper assault.

Amid the escalating backlash, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday directed party workers and leaders not to speak to the media without his approval.

The language row and repeated instances of vigilantism have raised concerns across the state about law and order, as well as freedom of expression and inclusivity.