MNS Activists Demand Action on Deteriorating Mumbai-Goa Highway, Vandalize Toll Plaza
PUNE: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray launched a scathing critique against the government on Monday, highlighting the deplorable condition of the Mumbai-Goa Highway. Thackeray’s pointed remarks questioned the government’s priorities, suggesting that rather than channeling resources into Chandrayaan-3’s lunar mission, it should address the glaring issue of potholes on this vital roadway.
The Mumbai-Goa Highway has been under mounting scrutiny for its deteriorating state, drawing criticism from various quarters. Adding to the turmoil, an incident of vandalism occurred at the Rajapur-Hativale toll plaza on Thursday evening. This particular toll booth, originally scheduled to open several months ago, has remained shuttered due to public opposition.
Two MNS officials, Pankaj Pangerkar and Jayendra Kotharkar, holding positions in Rajapur taluka and sub-taluka respectively, are currently in police custody for their involvement in the toll plaza vandalism. The Rajapur police are currently in the process of filing a case against them.
With the approaching Ganeshotsav festival, concerns have amplified over the lamentable state of the Mumbai-Goa Highway. In an expression of frustration, MNS members resorted to vandalizing the Rajapur-Hativale toll plaza, vehemently conveying their displeasure with the government and administration’s indifference toward the highway’s condition, particularly given the surge of travelers heading to Konkan for Ganeshotsav.
Accounts indicate that MNS members assembled around 5 pm to 6 pm on Thursday, converging on the Hativale toll plaza. The toll booth cabin bore the brunt of the demonstration, its windows shattered in protest. Residents of Konkan, alongside numerous organizations, have long been vocal about their discontent with the contractor’s inaction and the consistent deterioration of the Mumbai-Goa Highway spanning nearly two decades.
In the aftermath of Raj Thackeray’s address, MNS workers proceeded to vandalize a contractor’s company in Mangaon, Raigad. Responding to this, Thackeray encouraged MNS members to adopt a more constructive form of protest – planting a tree in any pothole they encounter along the road. Furthermore, he urged MNS supporters to refrain from resorting to acts of vandalism.
Madhupriya Dhanwate
