BJP- Shiv Sena may lose Mathadi votes

VASHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena alliance gover nment could f ace the wrath of Mathadi workers in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation ( NMMC) polls to be held on April 22.

The state government had recently decided to introduce changes to the Mathadi Act. Several workers, who opposed the state government’s decision, had even observed a day-long strike on March 16.

In the country, Maharashtra is the only state to introduce the Mathadi Act, which provides protection to the workers and helps them get adequate remuneration. Now, the state government is set to change the Act, which has caused great disappointment to the Mathadi workers. They fear that after the Act is amended, they may lose out on employment opportunities.

After their victory in the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP-Shiv Sena government has paid little attention to the grievances of the Mathadi workers. To win the civic polls, they will now have to work harder to gain their confidence.

MLA Shashikant Shinde, a Mathadi leader, had called the Mathadi workers to be ready to fight for their rights.

MLC Narendra Patil, another Mathadi leader, said, “The NCP will be giving tickets to several Mathadis in the civic elections, which will help them fight for their rights. We are an important constituent and can make a huge difference to the result outcome in the city.”