Pune: Dhangar Community Protests for ST Reservation Implementation
Pune, 13th October 2024: The Sakal Dhangar Samaj held a vibrant protest in Pune on Sunday, emphasizing the urgent need for the government to implement a Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation for the Dhangar community in the upcoming cabinet meeting. The demonstration commenced with a tribute to the statue of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar near Sarasbaug, where community members rallied together to voice their demands.
Adv. Vijay Gofane, the coordinator for the Dhangar Samaj, expressed the community’s frustration, stating, “The reservation for the Dhangar community under the ST category is enshrined in the Constitution, yet the state government has failed to act on it. We feel betrayed by repeated unfulfilled promises.” He further warned, “If a decision is not reached soon, we may have no choice but to withdraw our support from the Mahayuti government.”
The protest saw the participation of hundreds of Dhangar community members from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Prominent figures, including Adv. Vijay Gofane, Somnath Devkate, Aniket Kavane, and many others, were present to lend their voices to the cause.
Gofane added, “We hold Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in high regard as a leader who honors his commitments. Therefore, we expect decisive action in tomorrow’s cabinet meeting. If the government fulfills its promise, the Dhangar community, which numbers around two crores, will unite in support during the upcoming elections.”
He continued, “Should the Mahayuti government delay this decision until the model code of conduct is in place, we will demonstrate our collective strength in the assembly elections. The Dhangar community holds sway in 80 to 90 constituencies across the state, with a significant presence of 50,000 to 60,000 Dhangar voters in many of these areas. The government must choose wisely: secure our support or face our discontent. The decision ultimately lies with Chief Minister Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the cabinet members.”
