BMC polls: Rallies should be allowed at Shivaji Park, says MNS

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 today 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 the February 16 Mumbai corporation election.