Mumbai: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) workers, who are agitating for the past many months over the demand of merger in the state government, today protested outside NCP leader Sharad Pawar’s residence in Mumbai. Many of these workers who were protesting at Pawar’s Silver Oak residence were later detained and taken into custody by the Mumbai Police as stone-pelting reportedly ensued during their agitation.
The assailants suddenly entered the premises of Sharad Pawar’s residence today. This time, employees who are upset with the government, shouted slogans and threw stones and slippers. They were sloganeering against the Mahavikas Aghadi government. Protesters have taken a stand outside Sharad Pawar’s residence. The police force has arrived at Pawar’s residence. NCP MP Supriya Sule has also joined Silver Oak and is preparing for a discussion with the workers, urging the protesters to maintain peace.
“I am ready to have dialogue and talk with you, but you need to stop the violence. The security of my family is important as they are all inside the house,” said Supriya Sule.
According to sources, the agitating workers also threw their slippers and shoes toward Pawar’s residence.
“This is a government of thieves, here is the old leader Sharad Pawar who is responsible for the suicides of ST workers. He should be charged with manslaughter. This is a government of thieves, don’t we see that we are being treated unfairly? We also have a share in the development of Maharashtra,” agitating ST employees have said.
“We will not take any action against the employees who show up for work till April 22. Yesterday, the court said that you are free to take action against the workers who do not show up for work within the time limit given by the court. Therefore, we will take action against the employees who do not come to work within the given time,” Transport Minister Anil Parab had given an ultimatum to ST employees yesterday.
However, after the court directed the ST Corporation to pay pension, and gratuity and not to take any action against the employees, only one protest was staged by the employees present at Azad Maidan yesterday. Gunaratna Sadavarte, a lawyer for the liaison staff, told the media at Azad Maidan that a decision on whether to call off the strike would be taken only after receiving a copy of the court’s verdict.
On the Protest, Maharashtra Minister of Consumer Affairs Chhagan Bhujbal said, “I appeal to ST workers that the government has fulfilled all our demands except for one. Even the HC is trying to find a solution. After all this there is no need to protest outside Sharad Pawar’s house.
BJP Leader Prasad Lad said, “We should oppose the protest outside Sharad Pawar’s house, but the government should think why the workers are protesting?”
Taking a swipe at the State government, he said, “I think that the government which cannot provide security to its leaders, how will it provide security to the State?”
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