Mumbai: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray – UBT) workers vandalized a Gujarati-language board outside The Mumbai Diamond Merchants Association office in Panchratna Building by spraying black paint on it. The protest, which took place around noon yesterday, was in response to allegations that Maharashtrian industrialists were being denied membership in the association. The ruckus lasted about an hour, after which Mumbai’s D.B. Marg police registered a case against 20-25 workers.

Shiv Sena UBT workers claimed that while Marathi people work as diamond traders and brokers, they are denied membership in the association. Their protest at the Diamond Association’s office created panic in Mumbai’s diamond market. Some traders believe this is a politically motivated issue. Diamond merchants from Surat alleged that the incident was an attempt to intimidate Gujarati traders, many of whom have links to the BJP.

Jayantilal Shah, an executive member of the Mumbai Diamond Merchants Association for 18 years, stated that the Gujarati board had been in place for decades and that Maharashtrian traders are already part of the association. He added that around 30 Marathi employees work in the office, and a Maharashtrian candidate is contesting the ongoing elections for key positions. Additionally, over 10,000 Maharashtrian youths work as diamond sorters at the India Diamond Bourse. Shah emphasized that membership involves a formal application and interview process, and the protesters lacked sufficient knowledge about the procedure. DeshGujarat