The activist, Dipak Borhade, told reporters that the “fast unto death” will not be withdrawn until the state government accepts all his demands
The Dhangar community, traditionally nomadic shepherds and cattle-rearers, makes up nearly 9 per cent of Maharashtra’s population. Representational pic
The indefinite hunger strike by a Dhangar activist, demanding the inclusion of the community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, entered its fourth day on Saturday in Maharashtra’s Jalna.
The activist, Dipak Borhade, told reporters that the “fast unto death” will not be withdrawn until the state government accepts all his demands, news agency PTI reported.
“If the government fails to take a decision by September 24, then it will have to face the consequences. This is our final fight,” he added.
Despite heavy rains, a large number of Dhangar community members have been gathering at the protest site in front of the collectorate, PTI reported. A canopy at the site had collapsed on Friday night due to strong winds but was quickly rebuilt.
The Dhangar community, traditionally nomadic shepherds and cattle-rearers, makes up nearly 9 per cent of Maharashtra’s population.
Currently classified as Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), they are pressing for ST status.
GR on quota reignited Maratha-OBC conflict, fuelled hatred between communities: Congress leader
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Friday alleged that the Maharashtra government’s recent government resolution (GR) on the Maratha quota has adversely affected the interests of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and fuelled tensions between communities, especially in the Marathwada region, PTI reported.
He also criticised minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal, accusing him of “hypocrisy” over the OBC quota issue and asking him to clarify his position.
On September 2, the Devendra Fadnavis-led government issued a GR on implementing the Hyderabad Gazetteer, allowing eligible members of the Maratha community to apply for Kunbi caste certificates.
The decision has triggered unrest among OBC community members, who oppose the potential inclusion of Marathas in the OBC category for reservation purposes.
Talking to reporters, Wadettiwar said the government’s move “has reignited the Maratha-OBC conflict in Marathwada”, PTI reported.
“Students are being removed from schools, hatred is spreading between communities. This government has no vision for development. It only thrives on caste politics and is pushing Maharashtra into a pit,” the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) chief said.
"Who will revoke this anti-OBC decision and when? The government must answer," he demanded.
(With PTI inputs)
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