Manoj Jarange-Patil in favour of reservations for Muslims, Dhangars

Raigad/Mumbai: In a fresh development in Maharashtra, Maratha reservation campaigner Manoj Jarange-Patil on Tuesday favoured reservation for Muslims and category change for Dhangars.

The Jalna-based Jarange-Patil, the founder of Shivba Sanghatana, who was in Raigad, speaking to reporters said, “Maratha reservation is a burning issue now…after they get it, I will see how Muslims and Dhangar do not get the reservation."

The Dhangar community - the traditional nomadic shepherds - who get reservation in education and jobs under Nomadic Tribes (C) category, which is 3.5 per cent, are demanding that they be placed under Scheduled Tribes, which get 7 per cent reservation. 

The Dhangar leaders claim that Dhangar and Dhangad are the same and a "topographical error" has deprived them benefits in Maharashtra under ST category.  The Dhangars are planning a mammoth morcha in Nagpur, coinciding with the session. 

The Muslim community have also been demanding the revival of the 5 per cent  quota.

Of the total 52 per cent reservation in the state, SCs and STs account for 13 and 7 per cent respectively, while OBCs get 19 per cent, VJNT, Special Backward Class and Nomadic Tribes account for 13 per cent.