By | Kunwarchand Mandale
Nanded: The demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition by the Banjara community has intensified in Maharashtra, with a massive march being organized in Bhokar tehsil of Nanded district. Thousands of community members participated in the rally, voicing their anger and frustration over what they see as decades of neglect. Their central claim rests on the Hyderabad Gazette, which historically recorded the Banjaras as a tribal community. The protesters are now insisting that this recognition must be enforced in Maharashtra as well.
The fresh wave of mobilization comes in the backdrop of the Maharashtra government’s recent order on Maratha reservation. The decision has sparked renewed unrest among other communities, who feel their long-pending demands are being sidelined. The Banjaras, in particular, argue that they have documentary and historical grounds for ST status, yet remain excluded from the benefits that come with it. Leaders emphasized that their fight is not merely for reservation but for social justice and equal opportunities.
During the Bhokar march, participants raised slogans and carried placards, demanding immediate government action. The demonstration was marked by unity and large-scale participation, reflecting the growing determination within the community. Many speakers reminded the state that the Hyderabad Gazette is a binding historical reference that cannot be ignored. “Our identity is not new; it is documented. Now the government must honor it,” one of the leaders declared.
The Banjara leaders have also issued an ultimatum to the state. They have warned that if their demand is not met by September 17, the agitation will be expanded to every district of Maharashtra. This could potentially lead to widespread protests, road blockades, and statewide disruption. The community has made it clear that their struggle will not remain confined to Nanded or the Marathwada region, but will soon spread to urban centers as well.
Observers note that the Banjara agitation is gaining momentum at a sensitive political time, with multiple caste and community groups pressing for their respective reservations. How the state government responds to the Banjaras’ warning will determine whether the situation escalates into a broader crisis. For now, the message from Bhokar is loud and clear: the Banjaras are prepared for a sustained struggle until their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe category is formally recognized.
