The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) staged a protest in Nashik today by blackening Karnataka state transport buses in response to an incident in Belgaum, Karnataka, where Maharashtra ST drivers and conductors were allegedly humiliated. The protest took place at Thakkar Bazar bus station, where MNS leaders condemned the mistreatment of Marathi speakers and warned of stronger actions if such incidents continue.
The protest was sparked by reports that members of the Kannada Vedika Rakshak organization had blackened the faces of Maharashtra ST staff in Karnataka as an act of protest against the Marathi language. In retaliation, MNS members in Nashik blackened Karnataka’s Parivahan buses and wrote "Jai Maharashtra, MNS Nashik" on them as a symbolic warning. However, MNS members clarified that Marathi-speaking bus conductors were honored and respectfully sent back.
MNS has been vocal in the past regarding injustices faced by Marathi speakers in Karnataka, and this protest was a continuation of their stand against such discrimination. During the demonstration, prominent MNS leaders, including City President Sudam Kombde, District Vice President Manoj Ghodke, Division President Satyam Khandale, Deputy Mayor Milind Kamble, Rakesh Pardeshi, Amit Gangurde, City Secretary Nitin Aherrao, Transport Secretary Janardan Khade, and Secretary Bablu Thakur, strongly condemned Karnataka’s actions.
They warned that if such incidents against Marathi speakers continue, MNS will launch even more intense protests. The situation remains tense, with MNS closely monitoring developments related to Marathi-Kannada tensions.