Pune: In a strong stance, the Dhangar community has demanded that the state government immediately implement the Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation granted to them by the Indian Constitution.

The community has called on major political parties in Maharashtra to clarify their position on ST reservation, warning that if their demands are not met, they will withhold votes from all parties in the upcoming elections.

At a state-level convention held at the Dnyanjyoti Savitribai Phule Memorial in Ganj Peth, Pune, the Dhangar community outlined their key demands, including the immediate implementation of ST reservation, proper representation in the Assembly elections, and the unification of the Dhangar community.

A resolution was also passed urging the Governor to recommend to the President a correction in the official designation from "Dhangad" to "Dhangar" under Article 342(1) of the Constitution.

The convention further resolved that if these demands are not met, 500 young Dhangars will embark on an indefinite hunger strike in Sambhajinagar.

Additionally, the community plans to launch the Yashwant Sandesh Yatra from Dhangar-dominated constituencies across Maharashtra to rally support and defeat those who oppose their cause.

The community also decided to form state-level and district-level coordination committees to ensure their demands are met. A delegation will be established to negotiate on issues of reservation and representation.

The convention also called for the revocation of the caste validity certificate of the Khilare family and urged the community to support political parties that offer candidacy to Dhangars.