October 4th 2024.
The state secretariat in south Mumbai, Mantralaya, was the center of attention on Friday as a group of tribal leaders, including Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, made a bold move by jumping onto a safety net installed there. The reason behind this daring move was the ongoing tribal quota issue, which has been causing quite a stir in the state. Fortunately, no one was hurt during this incident.
Among the protesters were also two MLAs and an MP from the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state. NCP legislators Zirwal and Kiran Lahamate, along with BJP's tribal MP Hemant Savara, all took the leap from the third floor onto the safety net. This net was put up in 2018 after a series of suicide attempts were made at the secretariat.
Once the police removed these leaders from the net, the tribal representatives gathered in the ground floor passage and began a sit-in. They claimed that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was not willing to meet with them to discuss the quota issue. In response, Zirwal explained to reporters that his identity as an adivasi, or tribal person, took priority over his roles as an MLA and deputy speaker. He also urged CM Shinde to address the concerns of the protesters.
BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar also weighed in, stating that Zirwal holds a constitutional post and such drastic actions were not necessary. However, Zirwal remained firm in his stance and emphasized the need for the state government to provide protection to the students who have been protesting against the halt of recruitment under the Panchayats Act in Maharashtra for the past two weeks.
In conclusion, the events at Mantralaya on Friday were a result of the passionate plea by tribal leaders for the government to address the ongoing quota issue. It is clear that this matter holds great significance to them and they are willing to go to extreme lengths to have their voices heard. The ball is now in the court of the state government to take action and resolve the matter in a timely and effective manner.
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