White pathway for Jain monks in Mumbai housing society? Officials repaint it amid row

MUMBAI: A political controversy has erupted in the city after a white-coated pathway, purportedly prepared for barefoot Jain monks, triggered sharp criticism from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) leader Sandeep Deshpande.

Deshpande, who heads the party’s city unit, described the development as “cultural terrorism” and asserted what he called the “first right” of Marathi people over Mumbai.

“This is a cultural terrorism which should be stopped, or we won't keep quiet till we blacken their faces,” Deshpande said.

He further warned against any attempt to assert dominance in the city under the guise of religion.

He said Mumbai always belonged to Marathi manoos and will remain so. “No one should try to assert supremacy over it,” Deshpande added.

The controversy began after a white coating was applied to a pathway inside a residential complex to facilitate the movement of Jain monks, who traditionally walk barefoot.

Following the backlash, officials have since repainted the white line within the housing society.

(With inputs from PTI)