Mumbai Police issue security guidelines for Shiv Sena programmes on June 18 and 19

Large gatherings of party leaders, workers and supporters from across Maharashtra are expected at both venues. Representational Pic

The Office of the Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), Mumbai, has issued an advisory ahead of the Shiv Sena foundation day celebrations scheduled for Friday, warning of possible law and order implications in the city.

According to the advisory, there are reports and social media discussions suggesting that some Members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction may switch to the Shiv Sena group led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the foundation day programme. It also notes that discussions regarding such developments have already taken place at the political level.

The advisory states that the Shiv Sena Shinde faction will hold its 60th foundation day event at NESCO, Goregaon, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction will organise a separate programme at Shanmukhanand Hall, Sion, on the same day.

Large gatherings of party leaders, workers and supporters from across Maharashtra are expected at both venues.

The police have highlighted that, due to parallel events and ongoing political speculation, there is a possibility of protests, counter-protests and demonstrations by rival groups.

It further notes that supporters of the Thackeray faction may stage agitation against the Shinde faction's celebrations, while political events and celebrations by the ruling faction could lead to face-to-face confrontations between supporters of both groups.

The advisory also warns that during the movement of senior leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, protest demonstrations by opposing groups may occur, potentially impacting law and order in sensitive areas of the city.

In view of these developments, police have instructed all units to maintain strict vigilance at event venues and other sensitive locations across Mumbai to prevent any untoward incidents.

The circular has been issued by Dr Pravin Mundhe, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), Mumbai.

Y-Plus security cover given to six rebel Sena (UBT) MPs in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Police have accorded Y-Plus security cover to six rebel Members of Parliament (MPs) of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), according to an official communication, news agency PTI reported.

A letter signed by Shirish Jain, commissioner of intelligence, said security has been provided to Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai-North East), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli), and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar (Osmanabad).

The letter, dated June 17 (Wednesday), stated that Y-Plus security should be extended to these MPs with immediate effect. The decision comes amid rising political tensions within the Shiv Sena (UBT) following signs of internal dissent.

These MPs had skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) in Delhi on Thursday, further indicating a widening rift within the organisation and fuelling speculation of a possible split in its parliamentary ranks.