[Watch] Maharashtra Tribal MLAs Jump Off Mantralaya Building Over Reservation Row

Mumbai: In protest against Dhangar community getting reservations under the ST category, several tribal MLAs, including Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, jumped off the third floor of the Mantralaya building and landed on the safety nets on Friday afternoon, according to reports.

Visuals of the tribal leaders being rescued from the safety nets flooded the internet. The videos show NCP MLA and other leaders fallen on the safety nets, while the authorities attempt to reach them and bring them back to safety.

The Maharashtra government has reportedly planned to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Dhangar community ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

This move was opposed by Zirwal, a senior tribal MLA representing the Dindori Assembly segment. He had also written to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, highlighting two key demands: the reinstatement of the appointment process for Scheduled Tribe candidates under the PESA (Provisions of the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act and a call to refrain from making unconstitutional decisions about the inclusion of Dhangars in the ST list, reported the Free Press Journal.

Know the issue: Who are the Dhangars?

The Dhangar community, which currently has the Other Backward Classes (OBC) status, has argued that the Dhangad tribe listed under the ST category is similar to the Dhangars. They claimed that a ‘spelling error’ has led to the unjustified exclusion from ST benefits.

Despite these claims, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court have rejected petitions from the community. Dhangars are largely concentrated in western Maharashtra. They wield influence over 25-30 assembly seats.

Two weeks ago, Chief Minister Shinde met the Dhangar leaders and assured them that their concerns would be addressed. In response, tribal leaders had held a meeting in Mumbai, escalating their opposition to the potential move for granting of the status to the community.