In an unexpected turn of events, Maharashtra Minister Pratap Baburao Sarnaik on Tuesday defied his own government to join the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) protest in Mira Bhayandar over the ongoing language row.

However, instead of being welcomed, Sarnaik was met with hostility as MNS workers branded him a “traitor” and forced him to leave the protest site. The state transport minister had no choice but to withdraw as the agitated crowd turned increasingly unruly.

Earlier, Sarnaik had openly challenged his own administration, declaring that the police could attempt to arrest him, but he would continue to stand with the protesters.