The ST community has been demanding political reservation for years. With the long-pending demand appearing closer to fruition, opposition from various quarters has prompted community members across party lines to close ranks. The unity was on display at a meeting of prominent ST leaders held at the Dairy Society Hall in Netravali.
Among those present were former MLA Vasudev Meng Gaonkar, Zilla Panchayat member Rajshree Gaonkar, former ZP member Suresh Kepekar, Molcornem Sarpanch Rajesh Gaonkar, Bhati Sarpanch Chandrakant Gaonkar, Kavre-Pirla Sarpanch Vidhi Gaonkar, Advocate Anand Gaonkar and other community leaders.
Addressing the gathering, former MLA Vasudev Meng Gaonkar said the ST community was not seeking anyone else’s rights but only what was guaranteed under the Constitution. Recalling the community’s prolonged struggle, including the sacrifice of two young men during agitations, he urged members not to be deterred by opposition and to remain united until the goal was achieved.
Advocate Anand Gaonkar said the community was merely demanding its constitutional entitlement and criticised those opposing the demand. He stressed that the newly forged unity among members across political parties should be channelled towards the welfare of the community. If denied its rights in the upcoming elections, he warned, the community would explore an alternative political path.
Former ZP member Suresh Kepekar described political reservation as a constitutional right and expressed confidence that the government would deliver justice. He appealed to community members to preserve the unity demonstrated during the movement.
Rajesh Gaonkar said the ST community had never opposed any other community but was prepared to demonstrate its collective strength while pursuing its legitimate rights.
