Mumbai: Law student Zen Sadavarte, who submitted an application to the police seeking a complaint against a woman after she confronted BJP workers for causing a traffic jam, is the daughter of lawyer and former Bigg Boss contestant Gunaratna Sadavarte. Gunaratna Sadavarte is known for involving himself in politically charged issues such as the MSRTC union strike and supporting the OBC stance against the Maratha reservation agitation.
Outpouring of Support for the Woman
In this case, there has been a significant wave of support for the woman who confronted the minister. Many citizens have accused Sadavarte of acting as a proxy for the BJP and engaging in revenge politics. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate posted on X, "Irony died a thousand deaths. The BJP was protesting in Mumbai for women's empowerment. A woman lashed out against the traffic jam. The BJP mocked her and now a police case has been filed against her. She was only claiming what was rightfully hers - the roads of Mumbai."
Political Reactions
Mumbai Congress spokesperson Sureshchandra Rajhans stated that cases should be registered against BJP leaders who participated in the rally. He also claimed that the BJP obtained permission for the rally in two days, while Congress rally permissions take eight days. Anish Gawande, NCP (SP) spokesperson, said, "As expected, a case has been filed against the brave woman who stood up to the BJP by the daughter of Gunaratna Sadavarte, a BJP-affiliated lawyer who is the poster-child for 'fake citizen concerns.' The sheer arrogance of those in power should disgust you and me."
Ruben Mascerenhas from AAP remarked, "Sadavarte is a pro-BJP lawyer who is well-known for his 'false pretexts' to move court when the BJP can't do so." He added, "Imagine how rattled the powers that be are against a single woman who stood up to the BJP's blockading of roads in Mumbai."
Social Activist and Public Figures Condemn Complaint
Social activist Vijay Kumbhar posted on X, "Stop this shameless bullying! Filing a complaint against that brave woman is pure arrogance. A citizen stood up and asked questions to minister Girish Mahajan while his selfish protest choked Mumbai's traffic for hours. Instead of apologising, they are harassing her?" He continued, "Citizens are the real owners of this country. We have every right to ask questions. Politicians are public citizens and must respect citizens' comfort, not cause trouble to them."
Urban planner Bhaumik Gowande commented on X, "Are you telling me that they filed a complaint against that legendary Mumbai woman who protested for her rights at a women's rights protest? This is how we empower Nari Shakti by empowering women's voices! Pathetic!" Another user, Shraddha, posted, "This was nothing but a desperate publicity stunt designed to bully a common citizen and mislead the public with a false narrative. If you only spent as much energy fixing the city's traffic as you do staging these legal dramas, maybe the people wouldn't be so angry."
(With input from Ishaan Thadikaren)
