MNS Protests Jain Community Road Markings on Daftari Road in Malad East
Tensions recently escalated on Daftari Road in Malad East, Mumbai, after members of the Jain community painted a white stripe on the public road, prompting Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party workers to paint protest graffiti over it. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) subsequently intervened to cover the protest markings, while authorities tightened security in the area to prevent further unrest.
The controversy began when a video surfaced online showing the white stripe painted on the public road. According to members of the Jain community, the markings are meant for the convenience of Jain monks and nuns who walk barefoot during religious processions.
However, the modification of the public street drew immediate opposition from the MNS. Mahesh Farkase, the MNS Malad division president, along with other party workers, staged a protest by writing "Jahir Nishedh" in red paint directly over the newly painted white stripe.
To prevent the confrontation between the community and the political party from escalating, MNS leaders intervened as mediators to calm the situation. Following the protest, BMC workers painted over the red graffiti with black paint, which temporarily defused the immediate conflict.
The incident occurred during a period of heightened political tension over the ongoing "white stripe" controversy across Mumbai. While the Jain community maintains that the stripes serve a religious purpose, several opposition leaders, including MNS representatives, have strongly criticized the practice. They argue that public roads are meant for the general public and should not undergo unauthorized modifications for any specific group.
The situation in Malad East remains under tight security, with police and the local administration closely monitoring the area to maintain order. Meanwhile, MNS workers continue to demand strict action against those who paint unauthorized markings on public roads.
