Dhangar Community Demands ST Status Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Polls
- The Dhangar community has been demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe category due to perceived neglect in reservation policies.
- Madhav Bhau Gade, leader of Yashwant Sena, announced the community's decision to withdraw support from the Shiv Sena, citing unfulfilled promises.
- The community's dissatisfaction highlights the importance of addressing their demands ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
The Dhangar community, primarily located in western Maharashtra and the Marathwada region, has been advocating for their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. This demand stems from their belief that they have been overlooked in the government's reservation policies, as the official database does not recognize 'Dhangar' but instead lists 'Dhangad' as part of the STs. Currently classified under Nomadic Tribes, the Dhangars feel marginalized and deprived of the benefits that come with ST status. On a recent occasion, Madhav Bhau Gade, the leader of the Yashwant Sena, publicly declared that the organization would no longer support the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, due to the lack of progress on their reservation demands. Initially, the Yashwant Sena had backed Shinde's party during the Lok Sabha elections, but disappointment over unfulfilled promises has led to a shift in their stance. The community, which numbers around 300,000, is now seeking to make their voices heard in the upcoming assembly polls, emphasizing the need for political leaders to address their concerns seriously.