Naik demanded political reservations for Banjaras living in plain areas of Telangana, AP, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Former Member of Parliament Ravindra Naik has issued a clarion call for justice and recognition for the Banjara community, citing decades of systemic neglect and underrepresentation. Addressing a press meet at the Press Club, Somajiguda on Saturday, Naik said Banjaras are spread across more than 200 parliamentary constituencies and nearly 1,000 Assembly segments, yet their contributions remain sidelined in public discourse and policy.

Naik demanded strict action against bogus tribal certificate holders and corrupt officials exploiting genuine tribal beneficiaries. He called for accountability from departments failing to implement directives of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes under Article 338A of the Constitution.

He also flagged misuse of tribal welfare resources, urging cancellation of benaami outlets, fuel agencies, and public contracts, and their reallocation to legitimate tribal stakeholders. Naik pressed for recognition of tribal habitations—tandas, naglas, deras—as independent Banjara gram panchayats, noting that many lack basic amenities like water, electricity, schools, and healthcare.

Highlighting representation gaps, Naik demanded political reservations for Banjaras living in plain areas of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and other states. He emphasized that over 70% of Banjaras live outside scheduled areas and are denied opportunities to represent themselves. He reiterated the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for Banjaras under all synonymous names—Vanjari, Goar, Labana, Maru, Dhankuta, Turi, Lamani, Naavi, and others—and called for the inclusion of Gor Boli, the community’s mother tongue, in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Naik affirmed that the Akhila Bharata Banjara Maha Seva Sangh will intensify its campaign for dignity, identity, and rights. “This is not just about representation—it is about respect, justice, and a rightful place in history,” he said.