Mumbai- Amidst the continuing struggle of the Dhangar community to be recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST) and the political ramifications thereof, their significance in Maharashtra's electoral landscape has become increasingly pronounced.

Traditionally, the Dhangar people, known for their shepherd lifestyle, have inhabited remote areas, including forests, hills, and mountains.

In Maharashtra, the Dhangar community constitutes a notable portion of the population, second only to the Marathas. Over the years, they have emerged as a crucial demographic, particularly in the political arena, with their votes potentially swaying the outcome in several Lok Sabha seats. The community has sizeable presence in western Maharashtra and Marathwada and parts of Vidarbha regions.

In the lead-up to the 2014 state elections, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, then the state BJP president, pledged that his party would address the Dhangars' demand in the inaugural cabinet meeting if voted into power. Despite this assurance, the promise remained unfulfilled. In 2015, the government tasked the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) with assessing the eligibility of the Dhangars for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Although TISS submitted its report in 2018, the government forwarded it to the Advocate General for guidance and subsequent action, recognizing that the inclusion of any community in the ST category necessitates a recommendation by the state government and approval by the Union government.

Presently, the Dhangars, constituting approximately 9-10% of Maharashtra's population, are classified under the Nomadic Tribes (C) category, affording them 3.5% reservation in educational institutions and employment opportunities within the state. With a substantial presence in western Maharashtra, Marathwada, and parts of Vidarbha, the community wields significant influence in nearly 50 Assembly seats.

Historically, the BJP has fostered a political alliance termed "Ma-Dha-Va" (Mali-Dhangar-Vanjari), positioning it as an alternative to the traditional Maratha-Dalit-Muslim vote bank of the Congress.

However, recent shifts in political dynamics have necessitated both the BJP-led Maha Yuti and Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi to court Dhangar support more actively.

At the heart of the community's political demands lies the quest for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category, which would afford them greater access to educational and job opportunities. This demand has met with resistance from existing tribal groups, apprehensive about potential dilution of their own reservation quotas.

Leaders like Gopichand Padalkar and Mahadev Jankar have spearheaded this cause, leveraging their political influence to advance the community's interests. The recent renaming of Ahmednagar district to AhilyaNagar, in honor of the esteemed Dhangar queen Ahilyabai Holkar, underscores the cultural and historical significance of the community.

In the run-up to elections, Dhangar leaders find themselves at the center of political negotiations, with alliances shifting and new contenders vying for their support. The Madha constituency, once represented by Sharad Pawar, has emerged as a focal point, with both BJP and NCP courting Dhangar leaders for electoral advantage.

As Maharashtra braces for elections, the Dhangar community finds itself in a pivotal position, capable of influencing electoral outcomes across multiple constituencies. Their struggle for recognition intersects with broader political realignments, making them a formidable force to reckon with in the state's political landscape.