Complaint Filed Against Woman Who Confronted BJP Minister Over Traffic Jam During Mumbai Rally

Mumbai: A complaint has been lodged against a woman who scolded Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan over traffic congestion caused by a BJP rally in Mumbai over the women’s reservation bill, police said on Friday. It was stated that the complaint was forwarded to Worli police station on Wednesday by Zen Sadavarte, daughter of lawyer Gunaratna Sadavarte.

The incident took place in the posh Worli district on Tuesday, during a rally organized by the BJP to target opposition parties over the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill to speed up 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

An agitated woman confronted Minister Mahajan, who was speaking to reporters and shouting at her for blocking roads and causing inconvenience to passengers. “Get out of here. You’re causing traffic jams,” the woman said and asked why the rally couldn’t be held in a nearby open area.

In his complaint, Sadavarte said that the woman was causing chaos by using abusive language, obstructing the rally and disturbing the public.

“Insulting hard-working police officers, public representatives, the constitution and the constitutional machinery will not be allowed in this country,” he told reporters.

Sadavarte appealed to the police to file a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections including 221 (obstruction of public servant from discharge of duty), 132 (assault or use of criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty), 352 (intentional insult), 195 (assault or obstruction of public servant) and 353 (statements prejudicial to public servant).

Earlier, Mahajan had said the woman’s anger was justified “to some extent”. However, he emphasized that his language was inappropriate and refused to take any legal action against him.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, a member of the BJP, expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the rally.

The police filed a case against the organizers of the rally for alleged violation of norms.