Maha: Sena minister demands action against striking employees

As 17 lakh employees of the Maharashtra government went on a three-day strike from today, a Shiv Sena minister has demanded action against them, only to be opposed by a BJP minister.

The Maharashtra Cabinet today discussed the ongoing strike of the state government employees and its impact on essential services.

The cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Around 17 lakh employees of the state government are on strike to press for various demands, including implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission report.

At the cabinet meeting, the ministers of the BJP and the Shiv Sena sparred over the action to be taken against the employees, a minister said.

"The cabinet was informed that J J Hospital in Mumbai has postponed all critical surgeries for the next three days and that the patients are facing trouble, as all nursing staff are on strike," he said.

During the discussion, Transport Minister Diwakar Raote of Shiv Sena sought action against the employees which was opposed by Education Minister Vinod Tawde of the BJP.

According to the minister, Tawde said the employees have the right to protest and if action is taken against them, the administration will collapse.

Later speaking to reporters, Raote said he was in favour of taking action against the employees, as they are trying to stall the administration.

"We are passing through a difficult phase. Maratha agitation, incidents of violence, a bandh called by the Maratha Kranti Morcha on August 9 etc. are the major issues.

"In such situation, if 17 lakh employees go on strike and try to stop functioning of the government, how can we spare them? They must be punished," said Raote.

Raote said he suggested to the chief minister that all ministers should remain present in the Mantralaya for one whole day and transfer all the employees on strike after review.

"However, this was opposed by some," he said.