India, July 8 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday strongly defended the Mira-Bhayandar police's decision to deny permission for a protest march by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers, citing public safety and traffic disruption concerns.

The protest, scheduled to begin from Balaji Hotel at 10 am, was blocked after MNS workers allegedly refused to alter their planned route despite police objections.

"I spoke with the Police Commissioner, who informed me that the MNS was unwilling to change the rally route. The chosen path would have caused severe traffic issues and risked public inconvenience. When protestors don't cooperate, police have every right to deny permission," Fadnavis told reporters.

The chief mini...