Maharashtra opposition leaders wear 'dhangar' gear to seek quota

MUMBAI: In a novel protest outside Vidhan Bhawan here today, opposition legislators wore robes and headgear of dhangar (shepherd) community as part of their protest to remind the BJP-led government to fulfill their promise to ensure quota for the community.

"During poll campaign BJP had promised to implement reservation for dhangars within a month of coming to power. It is over eight months now but the government has not done anything," senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar said.

The former deputy CM accompanied by legislators from NCP reached the Vidhan Bhawan dressed in a typical dhangar attire.

Pawar reminded BJP of its pre-election promise to include the dhangar community in the list of tribals.

Before the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, the BJP had supported the dhangars' demand for inclusion in the scheduled tribes (ST) list to widen its base.