Dhangar Community's Fiery Ultimatum: A Decade of Unmet Promises Ignites Fresh Protests for ST Status

The Maharashtra government finds itself squarely in the crosshairs of a deeply frustrated Dhangar community, as prominent activist Prakash Shendge, President of the Yashwant Sena, unleashes a scathing warning of large-scale protests and political repercussions. At the heart of this brewing storm is the community's decade-long, unfulfilled demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a promise Shendge claims was made and repeatedly broken by those in power.

Shendge’s ultimatum is clear and unequivocal: meet the Dhangar community's demand for ST status, or face the wrath of a united front ready to take to the streets.

The simmering resentment is set to boil over on September 14, 2024, when the Dhangar community plans to observe a solemn 'black day.' This symbolic act marks ten years since the BJP-Shiv Sena government first assumed power in Maharashtra, a period Shendge alleges has been characterized by empty rhetoric and political deception regarding their ST status.

A significant portion of Shendge's ire is directed squarely at Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The activist vehemently reminds the public of a 2014 promise, where Fadnavis allegedly assured the Dhangar community that their ST status would be granted within a mere two months. "Fadnavis played a cruel joke on the Dhangar community," Shendge declared, his words echoing the community's profound sense of betrayal.

He accused the political leadership of cynically using the Dhangar community as a vote bank, only to abandon their demands once elections were secured.

The struggle for ST status is not new. In 2018, during his tenure as Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis attempted to navigate the contentious issue by proposing a bill to grant separate reservations under a 'Dhangar' category, specifically a Special Backward Category C (SBC-C).

However, this move was met with significant resistance from existing ST communities and various social organizations, who feared that such a provision could dilute or infringe upon their own established reservations. The bill, therefore, failed to provide the definitive resolution the Dhangar community sought, further entrenching their sense of neglect.

A critical pillar of the Dhangar community's claim rests upon the meticulously researched report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

This authoritative study unequivocally concluded that the Dhangar community of Maharashtra is indeed the same as the 'Dhangad' tribe, a Scheduled Tribe already listed in other states. Shendge emphatically demands the immediate implementation of the TISS report's recommendations, asserting that it provides undeniable scientific and sociological evidence to support their inclusion in the ST category.

He argues that there is no longer any justification for delaying a decision that is backed by expert analysis.

The activist’s warning extends beyond street protests; it carries a direct threat to the political fortunes of parties in the upcoming elections. Shendge made it clear that any political party failing to support the Dhangar community's demand would face severe electoral consequences.

He emphasized that the community is mobilizing across the state, and their collective vote would be cast against those who continue to ignore their legitimate aspirations. This isn't just about a protest; it's about a community asserting its political power and demanding justice after a decade of what they perceive as broken promises and calculated indifference.

With the 'black day' looming and the specter of widespread agitation on the horizon, the ball is firmly in the Maharashtra government's court.

The Dhangar community's message is loud and clear: their patience has worn thin, and their demand for ST status is non-negotiable. The political landscape of Maharashtra is poised for a significant upheaval if this long-standing issue is not addressed with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.