‘A Miracle Moment’: Mayatai Ivnate Recalls Emotional Call Before RS Nomination

Nagpur: Former Nagpur mayor Mayatai Ivnate described her nomination to the Rajya Sabha as a "miracle moment", recalling the emotional phone call that changed her political journey. Ivnate, who created history as the first tribal woman from the Vidarbha to be nominated to the Upper House, said she was overwhelmed when she received the call from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis informing her about the party's decision.With her nomination, Ivnate has become the second woman from Vidarbha to enter the Rajya Sabha after Saroj Khaparde, the senior Congress leader.Speaking after arriving in Nagpur following the filing of her nomination papers in Mumbai, Ivnate said the news came at a deeply emotional time in her life following the loss of her husband."I could hardly speak when I received the call. I only kept saying ‘sir, sir', and tears started rolling down my eyes. It felt like a miracle, something only God could make possible," she said while interacting with supporters.After reaching the city, Ivnate first paid floral tributes to the statue of Bakht Buland Shah, the founder of Nagpur, before paying visits to Samvidhan Square. Accompanied by BJP city President Dayashankar Tiwari and BJP corporator Darshani Dhawad, the former mayor later took out a rally in her prabhag in West Nagpur, where party workers and residents gathered in large numbers to congratulate her on the historic nomination.The rally turned celebratory as supporters welcomed her with garlands, slogans and traditional drums, marking what local leaders described as a proud moment for the region.Ivnate thanked the party leadership for placing their faith in her and said she would use the opportunity to raise issues affecting tribal communities and economically weaker sections in Maharashtra."The Adivasi community faces many challenges. I will strongly raise their concerns and work towards finding solutions. At the same time, I will stand with the poor and ensure their voices are heard," she said.Her elevation to the Rajya Sabha is seen as a significant moment for tribal representation from Vidarbha, with leaders saying her journey from grassroots politics to Parliament would inspire many women and members of the tribal community to participate in public life.