News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Dajiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, June 7: The tribal MLAs and ministers met the Governor and said that thay would resign en masse if non-tribals are included in Scheduled Tribes.
An all-party delegation of 25 tribal MLAs and ministers from Maharashtra on Thursday June 5 urged Governor K Sankaranarayanan not to recommend the inclusion of Dhangar and other non-tribal communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes of Maharashtra to the central government.
The delegation comprising of ministers Madhukarrao Pichad, Shivajirao Moghe, Padmakar Walvi, deputy speaker Vasant Purke and tribal MLAs representing various political parties told the Governor that all tribal MLAs will resign from the state legislature en masse if the government recommends inclusion of Dhangar and other communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes.
The delegation complained that some political parties, 'with an eye on assembly elections,' were assuring Dhangar and other communities of their inclusion in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Maharashtra. They said that the move has caused a deep unrest among the tribal communities in Maharashtra.
Mentioning that a large number of non-tribals had already usurped government jobs meant for tribals by submitting bogus caste certificates, the delegation urged the Governor to protect the constitutional rights of tribals.
The Governor assured the delegation that he will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister.