Shepherds Block Roads in Fight for Scheduled Tribe Status

Dhangar community protesters, led by activist Dipak Borhade, blocked roads with sheep in Jalna district of Maharashtra, pushing for Scheduled Tribe status. Despite deteriorating health, Borhade continues his fast, criticizing Chief Minister Fadnavis for inaction. The community, comprising 9% of the state population, seeks enhanced ST reservation.

In a dramatic protest, members of the Dhangar community blocked key roads across central Maharashtra on Wednesday, employing their flocks of sheep as a barricade. The demonstration underlined their demand for Scheduled Tribe status, a cause championed by activist Dipak Borhade through a continuing hunger strike.

The protest significantly disrupted traffic flow on key routes, including the Dhule-Solapur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar roads. According to Jalna tehsildar Chhaya Pawar, Borhade's health has been deteriorating, with medical officers administering IV fluids after a drop in blood pressure.

Borhade's direct criticism of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlights growing tensions. He accuses Fadnavis of reneging on promises to issue a Government Resolution for their reservation plea. The Dhangar community, which currently benefits from a smaller quota under the OBC category, continues to advocate for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list.

(With inputs from agencies.)