This is an archive article published on October 6, 2024
Dhangar’s demand to include in ST does not affect tribals: BJP MLC
Dhangar leader and BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar who has been demanding the inclusion of Dhangars in OBC into the ST list, spoke to Vallabh Ozarkar and said that the demand does not affect the tribals.
"They should understand that ST reservation is based on population. It doesn’t matter if it is increasing or not," Padalkar said. (Photo: X/ @GopichandP_MLC)
Protesting the government decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Dhangar community on Friday, a group of ST MLAs jumped from the third floor of Mantralaya and landed on the safety net. Dhangar leader and BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar who has been demanding the inclusion of Dhangars in OBC into the ST list, spoke to Vallabh Ozarkar and said that the demand does not affect the tribals. He also alleged the role of some senior politicians in the incident of MLAs jumping from the Mantralaya. Excerpts:
What are your demands and what is the background of Dhangar reservation?
Our demand is that the state government should issue a Government Resolution (GR) instructing all district collectors and tehsildars in the state that Dhangad should be considered as Dhangar and all Dhangar should be given a status of Schedule Tribe.
So are you talking to the government in this regard?
I have met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde thrice and explained the whole scenario. I also met Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. I will be meeting them again in the upcoming week. Our demand is that the government should give instructions to the ST caste validation committee chief, ST public representatives and other officials to give certificates to those tribals who have not got it yet. And, give ST certificates to Dhangars as well.
Are there any government records that say that Dhangars are Schedule Tribes?
The Dhangars are already listed in the ST list at number 36.
Why do you think that ST leaders are opposing?
They should understand that ST reservation is based on population. It doesn’t matter if it is increasing or not. Dhangars are not the only community, there are 117 sub-castes (in ST) who have not got the ST caste certificates. Thirty-five communities are now going to give me a memorandum that they have not got the caste certificates.
Many tribal leaders are opposing your demand stating that if Dhangars are included in the STs then it would be an injustice to the tribals. How do you respond to it?
Our reservation demand does not affect the tribals. The government should actually check the irregularities in tribal department. There are some particular communities of tribals who have got all the reservations but there are lakhs of other tribes who have not got the ST caste certificate yet and they have been deprived of the reservation.
How do you see the protest where politicians, including Deputy Speaker and NCP leader Narhari Zirwal, jumped from the third floor of Mantralaya and landed on the safety nets?
Zirwal is holding the post of deputy speaker. He has the authority to call for a meeting of government officials and even ministers. He can even summon the CM. But he did this. This is all done by (Sharad) Pawar… It was NCP SP MLA who started making an issue of it first.
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You opposed the Maratha community’s demand of giving them OBC status, saying it would be injustice to OBC. Currently Dhangars are in OBC and you are asking ST status for them…
ST reservation is based on population. We are making the demands as per the law. We are clearly saying that you make three categories in the ST — A, B and C. In ST we are demanding that you give us a separate category so that we won’t intrude into anyone’s quota.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
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