Dhangar Activist Starts Indefinite Fast
Social activist Satish Devgunde begins hunger strike, stages symbolic funeral pyre protest for ST reservation. Demands government fulfill promise made in 2014.
In a dramatic turn of events, social activist Satish Marotirao Devgunde from Sonnathadi village in Majalgaon tehsil, Beed, has started an indefinite hunger strike to demand the implementation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation for the Dhangar community.
The protest began on Thursday, with Devgunde staging a symbolic demonstration by sitting on a self-made funeral pyre, drawing the attention of the local administration. This extreme measure was taken after the government failed to respond to his letter, written on July 3, urging the Chief Minister to fulfill the long-pending promise of implementing ST reservation for the Dhangar community.
Devgunde stated that the promise to implement ST reservation for the Dhangar community was made in 2014. The community had extended overwhelming political support to the government, trusting that assurance. However, despite the passage of several years, the commitment remains unfulfilled, he alleged.
As part of his protest, Devgunde made an emotional appeal, saying, "Honour the promise you made; otherwise, prepare for my last rites." The protest has created a stir in the local administration, with protesters expressing strong resentment against the authorities. They alleged that despite the unusual nature of the demonstration, senior revenue officials, including the Sub-Divisional Officer and the Tehsildar, did not visit the protest site or make any attempt to initiate dialogue with the agitator.
The Dhangar community has been demanding ST reservation for a long time, and this protest is a culmination of their frustration and disappointment with the government's inaction. The community's demand is based on the fact that they have been historically marginalized and excluded from mainstream society.
The Maharashtra government had promised to implement ST reservation for the Dhangar community in 2014, but the promise remains unfulfilled. The community has been patiently waiting for the government to take action, but the lack of response has led to growing frustration and anger.
The protest by Devgunde has highlighted the plight of the Dhangar community and the need for the government to take immediate action to address their demands. The government must take cognizance of the community's demands and work towards finding a solution to their problems.
The issue of ST reservation is a complex one, and it requires a nuanced approach. The government must engage with the community and other stakeholders to find a solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
In conclusion, the protest by Devgunde is a wake-up call for the government to take action on the long-pending demand of ST reservation for the Dhangar community. The government must respond to the community's demands and work towards finding a solution to their problems. The fate of the Dhangar community hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address their concerns.
The significance of this protest cannot be overstated, as it highlights the growing discontent among marginalized communities in Maharashtra. The government must take note of the protest and work towards addressing the grievances of the Dhangar community, lest the situation escalate further.
