Maharashtra government meets after Dhangar protests turn violent

The Dhangar community in Maharashtra, classified as a nomadic tribe, is demanding scheduled tribe status. The state government has formed a committee to study the inclusion of other castes in the ST category. Once the committee gives its report, the state will discuss it with the advocate general. The chief minister will also hold high-level meetings with representatives of the Dhangar community in the next 15 days. The community, which makes up around 9% of the state's population, is influential in at least four Lok Sabha constituencies in Western Maharashtra.