Demand the setting up of All India Banjara Tandas Development Board

1. All-India recognition of Banjaras and their 16 synonyms as Scheduled Tribes; inclusion of “Goar Boli” in the Eighth Schedule
2. Recognise Banjara Tandas, Deras, and Naglas as revenue panchayats
3. Restoration of ancestral lands taken during British rule
4. Create Rs 1 lakh crore All India Banjara Tandas Development Board
5. Establish a cultural and research commission
6. Set up a folklore and educational university in Delhi
7. Financial support for unemployed Banjara youth
8. Name roads after Banjara leaders like Laakhaa Banjara, Baba Bandasingh, Bhukya Lakki Rathod, and Sevalaal Maharaj

Former Member of Parliament Ravindra Naik has urged the government to focus on the future of the Banjara community alongside its proposal of “One Nation, One Election.” Speaking at the “Aao Banjara – Bajao Nagara” meeting on Sunday, he demanded recognition of “One Nation, One Banjara,” stressing that despite their historical sacrifices and wide presence, Banjaras remain neglected.

Naik noted that Banjaras have played a decisive role in politics, supporting governments to power and contributing to their fall, yet their social and economic conditions remain unchanged. He said the new movement is aimed at highlighting the community’s political, cultural, and educational concerns and will continue until demands are addressed. He criticized the fragmented recognition of Banjaras—listed as Scheduled Tribes in some states, Scheduled Castes in others, and OBCs elsewhere—calling it a decentralization that weakens their political influence.

He demanded nationwide recognition of Banjaras as Scheduled Tribes, pointing out their spread across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, under names like Lambada, Sugali, Vanjara, Gormati, and Lubhana. He stressed that this fractured identity has deprived them of equal representation and opportunities.

Bhukya Ravi Naik, Chairman of the Tribal Society of Andhra Pradesh, expressed full support and said the initiative will help revive traditions among youth losing touch with their culture. Jagan Naik, President of Akhila Bharata Banjara Maha Seva Sangh, added that the body would tour Banjara Thandas across India to unite people under Ravindra Naik’s leadership.

Other leaders present included Shekar Naik, Suman Naik, Rajesh Naik, and Bheema Naik. Ravi Naik Rathod from Tamil Nadu said the movement will connect all Banjara groups, while Shekarappa Rathod from Karnataka demanded recognition and respect of the Banjaras. Rajesh Naik from Telangana recalled the community’s contribution to the Telangana movement, praising Ravindra Naik as the first MP to resign for the cause. He appealed for similar meetings in other states, highlighting their strength to mobilize thousands in Hyderabad. He also credited Congress for including Banjaras in the Scheduled Tribes list in Telangana and Maharashtra.

They also demanded religious and cultural centers, including temples for Sevalaal Maharaj, Hathiram Baba, and Sherovaali Mata at Mathura and Hyderabad, citing Maharashtra’s Rs 700 crore Banjara Nagara Mandir at Pauradevi inaugurated by the Prime Minister.