Legal Counsel Cites Threats and Political Motive Behind Patil Protest

Gunaratna Sadawarte, representing civic interests, approached the Azad Maidan police station on August 28 to block Manoj Jarge Patil’s intended demonstration in Mumbai. The lawyer cited past intimidation tactics allegedly linked to Patil, such as threats to sabotage rail tracks, damage the city’s airport and target the chief minister’s residence.

Sadawarte warned that any connection between Patil and previous attacks on police personnel or government vehicles should trigger immediate criminal proceedings. He also highlighted a recent letter in which Patil expressed a desire to reach Mumbai, arguing that the city cannot be a venue for unlawful agitation.

The counsel accused the rally of serving hidden political objectives, mentioning that opposition leaders in Maharashtra have been singled out and that the chief minister’s non‑Marathi background is being used to stir controversy. Sadawarte defended the rights of Hindi‑speaking auto and taxi drivers, condemning any verbal abuse directed at them and reiterating the chief minister’s call for linguistic harmony.

He concluded by urging law‑enforcement agencies to treat any assault on transport workers as a punishable offence under the law.