Mumbai: MNS Enters Row Over Action Against Marathi Woman Street Vendor in Dombivli
Dombivli, 24th January 2026: Allegations of uneven enforcement against street vendors outside Dombivli railway station have triggered political intervention, after a Marathi woman vendor accused civic authorities of targeting her business while allowing others to operate unhindered. The issue escalated after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray took note of the complaint circulated on social media.
The vendor, Ekta Sawant, who operates a shawarma stall near the station premises, claimed that the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) repeatedly initiated action against her stall, even as other handcart vendors in the same vicinity were allegedly spared. In a video shared on Instagram, Sawant further alleged that enforcement continued despite her reportedly paying ₹300 daily.
Following the viral post, MNS Thane district president Avinash Jadhav visited the location to review the situation firsthand. He alleged that civic officials were following a discriminatory approach, asserting that action was selectively taken against a Marathi woman vendor, while non-local vendors were being shielded.
Calling the incident unacceptable, Jadhav said the party would strongly oppose any form of injustice against Marathi traders and assured support to Sawant. As MNS workers gathered at the site, several vendors reportedly vacated the area, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the issue.
Sawant is also a well-known social media influencer, with a following of over 5.1 million on Instagram, and her content regularly attracts millions of views. Her online reach played a key role in amplifying the issue and drawing the attention of political leadership.
The incident has once again brought street vending regulations, alleged selective civic enforcement, and concerns related to local livelihoods and identity politics into focus, renewing debate over fair implementation of municipal policies in urban Maharashtra.
