Former Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar expressed regret that the Dhangar community's issues were not raised even once in the Goa Legislative Assembly over the past four and a half years. He was speaking at a Dhangar community convention in Kasarpal, Bicholim.

Expressing disappointment, Kavlekar informed that the fight to grant ST (Scheduled Tribe) status to the Dhangar community was almost completed, but the community was shocked when the Central Government sent the file back to the State Government.

He informed that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant wrote a letter to the Central Government highlighting the actual situation of the Dhangar community and supported their demand.

Furthermore, he also pointed that no MLA raised this issue in the Assembly over the last 4.5 years, mentioning that because he was not in the Assembly, the issue was neglected.

"The community still has high hopes for the current government and has maintained patience, which they will continue to do. However, their demand and struggle will go on until ST status is granted", Kavlekar added.

He urged everyone to stay united to achieve justice for the community.