Patna: Ruling and Opposition party MLAs on Wednesday came together to demand that the Centre file a review petition in the Supreme Court over the court's recent ruling on the SC/ST Act.
RJD, JDU, Congress and BJP MLAs sat on a dharna on the Assembly premises and raised slogans to press for this demand.
They said the ruling would have a cascading impact on the downtrodden.
Those on dharna included RJD MLAs like Kumar Sarvajit, Chandan Kumar, Sweety Seema Hembram, Rajendra Ram, Rekha Devi, Samta Devi, Upendra Paswan and Shiv Chandra Ram, JDU MLAs like Shyam Rajak, Ravi Jyoti Kumar, Prabhunath Ram, BJP MLAs like Niranjan Ram and Dinkar Ram and Congress MLAs like Rajesh Ram, Punam Pawan and Bunty Choudhary.
RJD MLA Shiv Chandra Ram said that if their demand for review was not met, they would intensify their protest and hit the road in the coming days. "There is fear among backward and Dalit people after the Supreme Court ruling. Atrocities on the poor will increase manifold because there will be no fear among those responsible," Shiv Chandra said.
The RJD MLAs said the Centre did not make a strong appeal in court and it was proved from the fact that a junior advocate was sent to represent the case in the apex court.
JDU MLA Shyam Rajak said the solicitor-eneral and attorney-general intentionally did not go to court to represent the case.
"Despite the notice sent to both the attorney-general and solicitor-general, they did not go," Rajak said.
"This shows their mentality toward Dalits. Dalits are also citizens of this country and they strongly represent our nation and believe in the Constitution.
"But day after day, their rights are being denied and injustice is being done to them. Be it reservation or promotion, Dalits are neglected."
He further said that there was a conspiracy to do away with reservations.
BJP MLAs Niranjan Ram said it seems like Dalits are at the receiving end and may have to face more trouble in the coming days.
They sat on a dharna for half-an-hour and then they left the premises.
Asked about sitting with the Opposition parties on a dharna, JDU MLA Ravi Jyoti Kumar said when it comes Dalit rights, party does not matter.
